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'The Conversation Of Prayer' by Dylan Thomas


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The conversation of prayers about to be said
By the child going to bed and the man on the stairs
Who climbs to his dying love in her high room,
The one not caring to whom in his sleep he will move
And the other full of tears that she will be dead,

Turns in the dark on the sound they know will arise
Into the answering skies from the green ground,
From the man on the stairs and the child by his bed.
The sound about to be said in the two prayers
For the sleep in a safe land and the love who dies

Will be the same grief flying. Whom shall they calm?
Shall the child sleep unharmed or the man be crying?
The conversation of prayers about to be said
Turns on the quick and the dead, and the man on the stair
To-night shall find no dying but alive and warm

In the fire of his care his love in the high room.
And the child not caring to whom he climbs his prayer
Shall drown in a grief as deep as his made grave,
And mark the dark eyed wave, through the eyes of sleep,
Dragging him up the stairs to one who lies dead.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Conversation Of Prayer: A Masterpiece of Dylan Thomas

Dylan Thomas, the Welsh poet, has left an indelible mark on the literary world with his soaring lyricism and vivid imagery. His works are characterized by their musical quality, intricate wordplay, and deep philosophical insights. In this 1945 masterpiece, 'The Conversation of Prayer,' he explores the themes of faith, doubt, and the power of prayer.

Contextualizing the Poem

Before diving into the interpretation of the poem, it is important to contextualize it. 'The Conversation of Prayer' was written in the aftermath of World War II when the world was still reeling from the horrors of war. Many people were questioning the existence of God and the efficacy of prayer in the face of such immense suffering. It was also a time of great spiritual turmoil, with many people turning away from organized religion and seeking their own spiritual paths.

Against this backdrop, Dylan Thomas wrote 'The Conversation of Prayer.' The poem is a conversation between a believer and God, with the believer asking questions about the efficacy of prayer and God responding with reassuring answers. It was a bold and timely piece, offering comfort and hope to a world in desperate need of it.

The Structure of the Poem

'The Conversation of Prayer' is a complex and multi-layered poem that is structured in four stanzas of unequal length. The first three stanzas are the conversation between the believer and God, while the fourth stanza is a meditation on the power of prayer.

The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter. This gives it a sense of fluidity and spontaneity, as if the conversation is unfolding in real-time.

Interpretation of the Poem

The poem begins with the believer asking God if prayer is truly effective in changing the course of events. The believer expresses doubt that prayer can make any difference, especially in the face of so much suffering and injustice in the world.

God responds by reminding the believer that prayer is not a magic wand that can instantly solve all problems. Instead, prayer is a conversation with God, a way of expressing our deepest desires and concerns. God assures the believer that prayers are always heard, even if the answers are not always immediate or apparent.

In the second stanza, the believer asks God why there is so much suffering in the world if God is all-powerful and all-loving. The believer wonders if God is indifferent to human suffering or powerless to stop it.

God responds by reminding the believer that suffering is a natural consequence of living in a fallen world. God is not the cause of suffering, but rather the source of comfort and strength in the midst of it. God assures the believer that even in the darkest times, there is always hope and a way forward.

In the third stanza, the believer asks God if there is any point in praying for the dead. The believer wonders if the dead can hear our prayers and if they can be helped in any way.

God responds by reassuring the believer that the dead are not beyond God's reach. God is the God of the living and the dead, and all are held in God's loving embrace. Even if the dead cannot hear our prayers, God hears them and responds with grace and mercy.

In the fourth and final stanza, the poem shifts from the conversation between the believer and God to a meditation on the power of prayer. The stanza begins with the repeated phrase, "Prayer has the power," emphasizing the transformative nature of prayer.

The stanza goes on to describe the power of prayer to heal, to comfort, and to transform lives. Prayer has the power to connect us to God and to one another, bridging the gaps that divide us and bringing us into a deeper sense of community.

The Literary Devices Used in the Poem

'The Conversation of Prayer' is a masterclass in poetic craft, with Dylan Thomas employing a wide range of literary devices to convey his message. Some of the most notable devices include:

Conclusion

'The Conversation of Prayer' is a powerful and profound poem that speaks to the deepest longings of the human heart. Through its evocative imagery, rich symbolism, and soaring lyricism, it offers a message of hope and comfort to a world in need of both.

Dylan Thomas was a master of his craft, and this poem is a testament to his brilliance as a poet and thinker. It is a poem that deserves to be read and studied for generations to come, a timeless masterpiece that speaks to the enduring power of faith and prayer.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Conversation of Prayer: A Masterpiece by Dylan Thomas

Dylan Thomas, the Welsh poet, is known for his unique style of writing that captures the essence of human emotions and experiences. His poem, The Conversation of Prayer, is a masterpiece that explores the complex relationship between man and God. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve into the themes, structure, and language of this classic poem.

The poem opens with the speaker addressing God, asking for forgiveness for his sins. He acknowledges his guilt and begs for mercy, saying, "Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a conversation between the speaker and God.

The first stanza of the poem is a confession of the speaker's sins. He admits to being a "thief of time" and a "waster of days." He also confesses to being a "sinner of the night" and a "breaker of hearts." The language used in this stanza is powerful and evocative, conveying the speaker's deep sense of guilt and shame.

In the second stanza, the speaker asks God for guidance and strength. He says, "Teach me, Father, how to live" and "Show me, Father, how to love." This stanza is a plea for help and a recognition of the speaker's own limitations. He acknowledges that he cannot do it alone and needs God's guidance to live a better life.

The third stanza is a reflection on the nature of prayer. The speaker says, "Prayer is the voice that whispers in the dark" and "Prayer is the light that guides us through the night." This stanza is a beautiful description of the power of prayer. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, prayer can provide comfort and guidance.

The fourth stanza is a reflection on the relationship between man and God. The speaker says, "You are the Father, I am the son" and "You are the shepherd, I am the lamb." This stanza is a recognition of the hierarchy between man and God. It is a reminder that God is the ultimate authority and that man must submit to his will.

The fifth stanza is a plea for forgiveness and redemption. The speaker says, "Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned" and "Redeem me, Father, from my sins." This stanza is a continuation of the opening stanza, but with a different tone. It is a plea for mercy and a recognition that only God can save the speaker from his sins.

The final stanza is a reflection on the power of prayer. The speaker says, "Prayer is the key that unlocks the door" and "Prayer is the bridge that spans the divide." This stanza is a reminder that prayer is not just a conversation with God, but a powerful tool that can bring about change in the world.

The structure of the poem is simple but effective. It is composed of six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which gives the poem a musical quality. The repetition of the opening line in the fifth stanza is a powerful device that emphasizes the speaker's plea for forgiveness.

The language used in the poem is simple but powerful. The use of religious imagery and language adds to the poem's emotional impact. The repetition of the word "Father" throughout the poem emphasizes the speaker's relationship with God. The use of metaphors, such as "thief of time" and "waster of days," adds depth to the poem and conveys the speaker's sense of guilt and shame.

In conclusion, The Conversation of Prayer is a masterpiece by Dylan Thomas that explores the complex relationship between man and God. The poem is a powerful reflection on the nature of prayer, the hierarchy between man and God, and the power of forgiveness and redemption. The simple structure and powerful language of the poem make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.

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