'This Side Of The Truth' by Dylan Thomas
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(for Llewelyn)
This side of the truth,
You may not see, my son,
King of your blue eyes
In the blinding country of youth,
That all is undone,
Under the unminding skies,
Of innocence and guilt
Before you move to make
One gesture of the heart or head,
Is gathered and spilt
Into the winding dark
Like the dust of the dead.
Good and bad, two ways
Of moving about your death
By the grinding sea,
King of your heart in the blind days,
Blow away like breath,
Go crying through you and me
And the souls of all men
Into the innocent
Dark, and the guilty dark, and good
Death, and bad death, and then
In the last element
Fly like the stars' blood
Like the sun's tears,
Like the moon's seed, rubbish
And fire, the flying rant
Of the sky, king of your six years.
And the wicked wish,
Down the beginning of plants
And animals and birds,
Water and Light, the earth and sky,
Is cast before you move,
And all your deeds and words,
Each truth, each lie,
Die in unjudging love.
Editor 1 Interpretation
This Side of the Truth: A Literary Criticism
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you were being pulled into a hidden world? That's what Dylan Thomas' "This Side of the Truth" does to me every time I read it. This classic poem is full of beautiful imagery, playful language, and a powerful message about the human experience.
Context and Summary
Before diving into the poem itself, let's talk about its context. Dylan Thomas was a Welsh poet who gained fame in the mid-20th century for his surreal and often dark poetry. "This Side of the Truth" was first published in 1952 as part of his collection "Collected Poems 1934-1952." The poem is relatively short, consisting of only 12 lines, but each line is packed with meaning.
The poem begins with the speaker stating "This side of the truth," implying that there are two sides to the truth. The following lines describe what life is like on this side of the truth, where we live in a world of "daylight and the sun," where things are concrete and real. However, the speaker acknowledges that even on this side of the truth, life is not always easy. We experience pain, fear, and death.
The second half of the poem describes what life is like on the other side of the truth, where things are more abstract and less concrete. The speaker uses phrases like "the other side of the sky" and "the world that never was" to describe this other world. The speaker suggests that this other world may be more desirable than the one we live in, but ultimately we are stuck on this side of the truth.
Language and Imagery
One of the things that makes "This Side of the Truth" such a powerful poem is its use of language and imagery. Thomas was a master of using words to create vivid mental pictures, and this poem is no exception.
The phrase "this side of the truth" itself is a great example of the power of language. It immediately sets up a contrast between two worlds and creates a sense of mystery and intrigue.
Throughout the poem, Thomas uses imagery to create a sense of the beauty and the harshness of life. For example, he describes "daylight and the sun" on this side of the truth, which immediately conjures up images of warmth and brightness. However, he also acknowledges that life on this side of the truth is not always easy, describing "pain and fear and death."
In the second half of the poem, Thomas uses more surreal imagery to describe the other side of the truth. He uses phrases like "the other side of the sky" and "the world that never was," which create a sense of mystery and otherworldliness. These phrases suggest that the other side of the truth is something beyond our understanding, something that we can only imagine.
Themes and Interpretation
So what does "This Side of the Truth" actually mean? Like all great poetry, there is no one right answer to this question. However, there are certainly some themes and interpretations that are worth exploring.
One of the most obvious themes of the poem is the contrast between the concrete and the abstract. The first half of the poem describes life on this side of the truth, where things are concrete and real. However, the second half of the poem suggests that there is another world beyond our understanding, something that is more abstract and less concrete. This theme raises questions about the nature of reality and the limits of our understanding.
Another theme of the poem is the idea of longing for something that is out of reach. The speaker acknowledges that there may be something desirable about the other side of the truth, but ultimately we are stuck on this side. This theme raises questions about the human condition and our desire for something beyond our reach.
Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a meditation on death and the afterlife. The second half of the poem suggests that there is something beyond this life, something that we can only imagine. This interpretation of the poem raises questions about what happens after we die and what it means to be alive in the first place.
Final Thoughts
"This Side of the Truth" is a remarkable poem that manages to pack a lot of meaning into only 12 lines. Its language and imagery are powerful and evocative, and its themes are deep and thought-provoking. The poem raises questions about the nature of reality, the human condition, and the afterlife, and it does so with a sense of playfulness and imagination that is typical of Dylan Thomas' work.
If you haven't read "This Side of the Truth" before, I highly recommend giving it a try. It's the kind of poem that stays with you long after you've finished reading it, and it's a great example of the power and beauty of poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
This Side of the Truth: A Masterpiece of Dylan Thomas
Dylan Thomas, the Welsh poet, is known for his unique style of writing that combines vivid imagery, musicality, and a deep understanding of human emotions. His poem "This Side of the Truth" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and death, love and loss, and the eternal struggle of the human soul.
The poem begins with a simple statement, "This side of the truth," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is a reminder that we are all living on this side of the truth, that we are all mortal beings, and that we must make the most of our time on earth.
Thomas then goes on to describe the world around us, using vivid imagery and metaphors to convey his message. He talks about the "green wave" of the grass, the "white horses" of the waves, and the "red berries" of the holly. These images are not just descriptions of the natural world, but also symbols of life, death, and rebirth.
The grass represents the cycle of life, where everything grows and dies, only to be reborn again. The waves represent the eternal struggle of life against death, where the waves crash against the shore, only to retreat and come back again. The holly represents the pain and suffering of life, where the red berries symbolize the blood shed by those who have suffered and died.
Thomas then turns his attention to the human experience, describing the "black cloud" of death that hangs over us all. He talks about the "cold star" of death that awaits us all, and the "black hand" of death that will eventually take us away. These images are not meant to be morbid or depressing, but rather a reminder that death is a natural part of life, and that we must accept it and make the most of our time on earth.
Thomas then talks about the power of love, describing it as a "bright star" that shines in the darkness. He talks about the "warm sun" of love that can melt even the coldest heart, and the "sweet bird" of love that sings in our souls. These images are a reminder that love is the most powerful force in the universe, and that it can overcome even the darkest of times.
Finally, Thomas ends the poem with a call to action, urging us to make the most of our time on earth. He tells us to "live in the light" and to "love the day," to embrace life and all its joys and sorrows. He reminds us that life is short, and that we must make the most of every moment.
In conclusion, "This Side of the Truth" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of life and death, love and loss, and the eternal struggle of the human soul. Dylan Thomas's use of vivid imagery, metaphors, and musicality creates a powerful and emotional experience for the reader. The poem is a reminder that we are all mortal beings, and that we must make the most of our time on earth. It is a call to action, urging us to embrace life and all its joys and sorrows, and to live in the light of love and hope.
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