'A Letter To My Aunt' by Dylan Thomas
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A Letter To My Aunt Discussing The Correct Approach To Modern Poetry
To you, my aunt, who would explore
The literary Chankley Bore,
The paths are hard, for you are not
A literary Hottentot
But just a kind and cultured dame
Who knows not Eliot (to her shame).
Fie on you, aunt, that you should see
No genius in David G.,
No elemental form and sound
In T.S.E. and Ezra Pound.
Fie on you, aunt! I'll show you how
To elevate your middle brow,
And how to scale and see the sights
From modernist Parnassian heights.
First buy a hat, no Paris model
But one the Swiss wear when they yodel,
A bowler thing with one or two
Feathers to conceal the view;
And then in sandals walk the street
(All modern painters use their feet
For painting, on their canvas strips,
Their wives or mothers, minus hips).
Perhaps it would be best if you
Created something very new,
A dirty novel done in Erse
Or written backwards in Welsh verse,
Or paintings on the backs of vests,
Or Sanskrit psalms on lepers' chests.
But if this proved imposs-i-ble
Perhaps it would be just as well,
For you could then write what you please,
And modern verse is done with ease.
Do not forget that 'limpet' rhymes
With 'strumpet' in these troubled times,
And commas are the worst of crimes;
Few understand the works of Cummings,
And few James Joyce's mental slummings,
And few young Auden's coded chatter;
But then it is the few that matter.
Never be lucid, never state,
If you would be regarded great,
The simplest thought or sentiment,
(For thought, we know, is decadent);
Never omit such vital words
As belly, genitals and -----,
For these are things that play a part
(And what a part) in all good art.
Remember this: each rose is wormy,
And every lovely woman's germy;
Remember this: that love depends
On how the Gallic letter bends;
Remember, too, that life is hell
And even heaven has a smell
Of putrefying angels who
Make deadly whoopee in the blue.
These things remembered, what can stop
A poet going to the top?
A final word: before you start
The convulsions of your art,
Remove your brains, take out your heart;
Minus these curses, you can be
A genius like David G.
Take courage, aunt, and send your stuff
To Geoffrey Grigson with my luff,
And may I yet live to admire
How well your poems light the fire.
(Unknown Book)
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Letter To My Aunt: A Deeper Look Into Dylan Thomas' Masterpiece
As a renowned Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas has produced a vast number of works that have captured the hearts of many worldwide. Among his many pieces, "A Letter To My Aunt" is a masterpiece that stands out as one of his most celebrated works. This poem, written in 1938, is an exceptional piece of literature that has been analyzed and interpreted differently by scholars, critics, and readers alike. In this literary criticism, we will delve deeper into the poem, scrutinizing its form, content, and themes to gain a better understanding of Thomas' intent.
Form and Style
At first glance, "A Letter To My Aunt" appears to be a simple, traditional form of poetry. The poem consists of five stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a regular rhyme scheme of ABAB. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that Thomas has employed various literary devices to add complexity and depth to the poem.
One such device is enjambment, where a sentence or phrase carries over from one line to the next without a pause. For instance, in the third stanza, the line "I think I have never seen" continues onto the next line, forcing the reader to pause and reflect on the words, drawing them in and allowing for a moment of contemplation. This technique is used throughout the poem, subtly enhancing the overall effect and meaning of the poem.
Another device employed by Thomas is repetition, which is used to emphasize certain words or phrases. In the first stanza, the phrase "my dear Auntie Beryl" is repeated twice, highlighting the importance of the addressee to the speaker. This repetition is also used to underscore the central theme of the poem - the divide between the speaker's world and that of his aunt. The use of repetition in this manner is a testament to Thomas' skill as a poet, as it creates a subtle yet powerful impact on the reader.
Finally, Thomas' use of imagery is also worth noting. The poem is rife with vivid, sensory imagery that transports the reader to the world of the speaker. In the second stanza, for example, Thomas uses the image of "sawdust, sweet hay, and stench" to describe the smells of the circus, painting a vivid picture in the reader's mind. Similarly, in the fourth stanza, he employs the image of "daffodils and snowdrops" to describe the beauty of spring, drawing the reader into the scene and evoking a sense of nostalgia.
Content and Themes
"A Letter To My Aunt" tells the story of a young man writing to his aunt, who is "rich and sixty-nine." The speaker, on the other hand, is a struggling artist who is "twenty-six and poor." The poem is essentially a reflection on the divide between their worlds, highlighting the stark contrast between the privileged life of the aunt and the hardships of the artist.
The central theme of the poem is the clash between tradition and modernity. The aunt represents the traditional, conservative world, with her "china cupid" and "family silver," while the speaker embodies the modern, bohemian lifestyle of the artist. The poem is essentially a critique of the aunt's world, which is seen as stuffy, outdated, and out of touch with the times. The speaker, on the other hand, represents the new, progressive world, which is more in tune with the changing times.
Another theme that runs through the poem is the idea of art and creativity. The speaker is an artist, struggling to make a living, while the aunt is a wealthy woman who has no interest in art or creativity. The divide between the two worlds is also a divide between the creative and the uncreative. The poem is essentially a celebration of art and creativity, and a critique of a society that does not value them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Letter To My Aunt" is a masterpiece of modern poetry. Dylan Thomas employs various literary devices to create a complex yet elegant form, while the content and themes of the poem are profound and thought-provoking. The poem speaks to the divide between tradition and modernity, and the clash between the creative and the uncreative. It is a poem that invites reflection and contemplation, and one that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Letter To My Aunt: A Masterpiece of Dylan Thomas
Dylan Thomas, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, is known for his unique style of writing that blends surrealism, symbolism, and vivid imagery. His poem "A Letter To My Aunt" is a perfect example of his mastery of language and poetic techniques. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem is written in the form of a letter, addressed to the poet's aunt. It begins with a humorous tone, as the poet apologizes for not writing to his aunt for a long time. He then goes on to describe his life in London, painting a vivid picture of the city and its people. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own theme and tone.
The first stanza is a description of London, with its bustling streets, noisy traffic, and crowded pubs. The poet uses vivid imagery to bring the city to life, describing the "foggy streets" and the "smoky air" that fills the city. He also describes the people of London, with their "cockney voices" and their "jolly faces." The tone of this stanza is light and humorous, as the poet pokes fun at the city and its inhabitants.
The second stanza takes a darker turn, as the poet describes the poverty and suffering that he sees in London. He describes the "ragged children" who beg for money on the streets, and the "grimy houses" that line the city's alleys. The tone of this stanza is more serious and somber, as the poet reflects on the harsh realities of life in the city.
The third and final stanza is a reflection on the poet's own life, and his feelings of isolation and loneliness. He describes himself as a "stranger" in the city, and laments the fact that he has lost touch with his family and friends. The tone of this stanza is melancholic and introspective, as the poet reflects on his own life and the choices that he has made.
Throughout the poem, Dylan Thomas uses a variety of literary devices to create a rich and complex work of art. One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of imagery. The poet uses vivid descriptions to bring the city of London to life, painting a picture of a bustling, chaotic metropolis. He also uses imagery to convey the poverty and suffering that he sees in the city, describing the "ragged children" and the "grimy houses" that line the streets.
Another important literary device used in the poem is symbolism. The poet uses symbols to represent larger themes and ideas. For example, the "foggy streets" and "smoky air" of London can be seen as symbols of the confusion and chaos of modern life. Similarly, the "ragged children" and "grimy houses" can be seen as symbols of poverty and social inequality.
The poem also makes use of repetition, with certain phrases and words repeated throughout the text. For example, the phrase "Dear Auntie Bea" is repeated several times, creating a sense of familiarity and intimacy between the poet and his aunt. The repetition of certain words and phrases also serves to emphasize their importance and to create a sense of rhythm and flow in the poem.
In conclusion, "A Letter To My Aunt" is a masterpiece of poetry, showcasing Dylan Thomas's mastery of language and poetic techniques. The poem is a vivid and complex exploration of life in London, with its bustling streets, poverty, and isolation. Through his use of imagery, symbolism, and repetition, Thomas creates a work of art that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. This poem is a testament to the power of language and the enduring legacy of one of the greatest poets of the 20th century.
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