How does Dylan Thomas celebrate life over death in his poetry
The Force that through the Green Fuse Drives the Flower 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, to various questions of The Force that through the Green Fuse Drives the Flower.
Answer
How does Dylan Thomas celebrate life over death in his poetry?
Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) is famous for his acute use of the theme of celebration of life over death. Thomas is a poet writing in the 20th century alongside prominent modern poets, such as T. S. Eliot and W.H. Auden. Unlike the modernist theme of disillusionment and alienation, his poems gave hope to people who needed it during the 20th century.
Vivid Celebration of Youth and Nature: In “Fern Hill,” Thomas vividly portrays the innocence and exuberance of childhood, celebrating life’s vibrant, carefree moments. He describes the farm as “green and golden,” where he was “young and easy under the apple boughs.” This imagery captures the beauty of youth and the natural world, emphasizing the joy and vitality of life.
Defiance and Resilience in the Face of Death: In “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night,” Thomas passionately urges his readers to resist death’s approach with fierce determination. He writes,
“Do not go gentle into that good night,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
Through these lines, he encourages a spirited fight against the inevitability of death, emphasizing the value of a life with intensity and passion.
Eternal Legacy through Poetry: Dylan Thomas believed that through his poetry, he could achieve immortality, transcending death. In “Fern Hill,” he expresses that memories of his youthful experiences on the farm will endure:
“Time held me green and dying
Though I sang in my chains like the sea.”
Through his verses, he attempts to preserve and celebrate the essence of life, ensuring that it lives beyond the confines of mortality.
Dylan Thomas realizes death is not the ending of life but a new beginning. A man may die physically, but after death, his spiritual journey begins when the poet visits his aunt’s grave; he is overwhelmed by her virtues. He realizes that his aunt is physically dead but alive spiritually. Thus, Dylan Thomas celebrates life over death.