'Lie Still, Sleep Becalmed' by Dylan Thomas

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Lie still, sleep becalmed, sufferer with the wound
In the throat, burning and turning. All night afloat
On the silent sea we have heard the sound
That came from the wound wrapped in the salt sheet.Under the mile off moon we trembled listening
To the sea sound flowing like blood from the loud wound
And when the salt sheet broke in a storm of singing
The voices of all the drowned swam on the wind.Open a pathway through the slow sad sail,
Throw wide to the wind the gates of the wandering boat
For my voyage to begin to the end of my wound,
We heard the sea sound sing, we saw the salt sheet tell.
Lie still, sleep becalmed, hide the mouth in the throat,
Or we shall obey, and ride with you through the drowned.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Lie Still, Sleep Becalmed by Dylan Thomas: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

As Dylan Thomas once said, "Poetry is what in a poem makes you laugh, cry, prickle, be silent, makes your toenails twinkle, makes you want to do this or that or nothing, makes you know that you are alone in the unknown world, that your bliss and suffering is forever shared and forever all your own." And so, his poem "Lie Still, Sleep Becalmed" does just that. It is a magnificent piece of literature that invites the reader to enter into a world of reverie, where one can surrender to the dreamlike state of the words and imagery.

Background Information

Dylan Thomas was a Welsh poet and writer who is considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. He was born on October 27th, 1914 in Swansea, Wales and died tragically young at the age of 39. Throughout his life, Thomas was known for his love of language and his ability to create unique and evocative imagery through his poems.

"Lie Still, Sleep Becalmed" was first published in "Deaths and Entrances," a collection of Thomas' poems that was released in 1946. The poem has since become one of his most well-known and celebrated works, and is often studied in literature courses around the world.

Analysis of the Poem

"Lie Still, Sleep Becalmed" is a beautiful and haunting poem that explores the themes of death and the afterlife. The poem is written in Thomas' signature style, with rich and vivid imagery that transports the reader to another world.

The opening lines of the poem immediately draw the reader in, with the words "Lie still, sleep becalmed, sufferer with the wound / In the throat, burning and turning." These words create a sense of stillness and peace, while also hinting at the pain and suffering that the speaker is addressing.

Throughout the poem, Thomas uses a variety of images and metaphors to convey the idea of the afterlife. For example, he describes the "black angel" who "flies over the roofs of the town" and "puts out his hand to the stars." This image is both beautiful and eerie, suggesting that death is both peaceful and mysterious.

The poem also contains a sense of nostalgia and longing, as the speaker addresses the "little moth" who "casts his eyes at midnight" and longs for the light of day. This metaphor can be interpreted as a representation of the human desire for life and the fear of death.

Another important aspect of the poem is the use of repetition, particularly the phrase "Lie still, sleep becalmed." This repetition creates a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem, while also emphasizing the theme of stillness and peace.

Interpretation of the Poem

At its core, "Lie Still, Sleep Becalmed" is a meditation on death and the afterlife. Through its use of vivid imagery and metaphors, the poem creates a sense of both peace and mystery, inviting the reader to contemplate the mysteries of life and death.

One possible interpretation of the poem is that it represents the speaker's acceptance of death. The use of the phrase "Lie still, sleep becalmed" suggests a sense of surrender and letting go, while the image of the "black angel" implies that death is not something to be feared, but rather something to be embraced.

Another interpretation is that the poem represents the cycle of life and death. The image of the "little moth" longing for the light can be interpreted as a metaphor for the human desire for life, while the image of the "black angel" suggests that death is a natural and inevitable part of that cycle.

Ultimately, the beauty and power of "Lie Still, Sleep Becalmed" lies in its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and mystery, inviting the reader to explore the deeper questions of life and death. As Dylan Thomas once said, "The only thing that can save the world is the reclaiming of the awareness of the world. That's what poetry does." And in this poem, he certainly succeeds in doing just that.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, stir the soul, and transport us to another world. One such masterpiece that has stood the test of time is Dylan Thomas's "Lie Still, Sleep Becalmed." This poem is a beautiful and haunting tribute to the power of sleep and the peace it brings to the restless mind.

The poem begins with a simple yet powerful command, "Lie still, sleep becalmed." The speaker is addressing someone, perhaps a lover or a child, urging them to find peace in the stillness of sleep. The use of the word "becalmed" is particularly striking, as it suggests a sense of calmness and tranquility that is often associated with the sea. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with vivid imagery and metaphors that draw upon the natural world.

The second stanza of the poem is particularly evocative, as it describes the speaker's desire to "see the sun break through dark clouds." This is a metaphor for the hope and optimism that sleep can bring, even in the darkest of times. The use of the word "break" suggests a sudden and dramatic change, which is mirrored in the imagery of the sun bursting through the clouds. This is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of despair, there is always the possibility of hope and renewal.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most striking, as it describes the speaker's desire to "hear the sea sigh on a shingle shore." This is a metaphor for the soothing and calming effect that sleep can have on the mind. The use of the word "sigh" suggests a sense of contentment and peace, while the imagery of the sea washing up on the shore is a reminder of the cyclical nature of life. This stanza is particularly effective in conveying the sense of tranquility and serenity that sleep can bring.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a beautiful tribute to the power of dreams. The speaker describes how they want to "hear the grass grow on the hilltops," which is a metaphor for the creative and imaginative power of the mind. The use of the word "grow" suggests a sense of vitality and energy, while the imagery of the grass growing on the hilltops is a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. This stanza is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of dreams, and how they can inspire us to create and imagine new possibilities.

The final stanza of the poem is a beautiful and haunting tribute to the power of sleep. The speaker describes how they want to "see the moon rise and the red sun set," which is a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life and the passage of time. The use of the word "rise" suggests a sense of renewal and rebirth, while the imagery of the moon and the sun is a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. This stanza is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of sleep, and how it can bring us peace and renewal even in the midst of chaos and turmoil.

In conclusion, Dylan Thomas's "Lie Still, Sleep Becalmed" is a beautiful and haunting tribute to the power of sleep and the peace it brings to the restless mind. Through vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, the poem conveys a sense of tranquility and serenity that is both comforting and inspiring. Whether we are facing the challenges of daily life or the uncertainties of the future, this poem reminds us that there is always the possibility of hope and renewal, and that sleep can be a powerful ally in our journey towards peace and contentment.

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