After the Funeral : Characters
After the Funeral is a notable literary work by Dylan Thomas. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of After the Funeral.
Characters
Characters
- Ann Jones: She is the central figure of the poem. Ann Jones was a real woman from Dylan Thomas’s hometown in Wales. She was warm-hearted, kind, and motherly — loved by everyone. After her death, the poet remembers her with deep affection. In the poem, she becomes a symbol of human goodness and the spirit of life. Through her, Thomas expresses his thoughts on death, memory, and immortality.
- The Poet / Speaker (Dylan Thomas): The poet himself is the speaker of the poem. He attends Ann Jones’s funeral and observes the people gathered there. His feelings move from personal grief to artistic inspiration. He represents the voice of mourning, love, and creation — turning sadness into poetry to keep Ann Jones’s memory alive.
- The Mourners: These are the ordinary village people who come to pay respect to Ann Jones. They represent the community and collective sorrow. Through their presence, Thomas captures the Welsh tradition of togetherness in grief.
- The Religious / Symbolic Presence: Throughout the poem, images of Christ, resurrection, and eternity appear. These are not literal characters but spiritual figures, symbolizing faith, hope, and the belief that death is not the end.