In My Craft or Sullen Art : Quotations

Quotations

Quotation

1. Quote: “In my craft or sullen art / Exercised in the still night”
   Character / Speaker: The Poet (Dylan Thomas himself)
   Stanza: 1
   Explanation: The poet begins by describing poetry as his “craft” — a skill and also an emotional labor. He works quietly at night, in solitude, showing that poetry is a private and devoted act, not a performance for others.
2. Quote: “When only the moon rages / And the lovers lie abed”
   Character / Speaker: The Poet
   Stanza: 1
   Explanation: The poet paints a calm night scene where only the moon is awake and lovers sleep holding their sorrows. This image symbolizes the loneliness of the poet’s creative process and his deep connection to human emotion.
3. Quote: “Not for ambition or bread / Or the strut and trade of charms”
   Character / Speaker: The Poet
   Stanza: 1
   Explanation: The poet clearly says he doesn’t write for ambition, fame, or money. “Bread” stands for livelihood, and “trade of charms” means using poetry as a show for attention. He rejects material goals and values sincerity in art.
4. Quote: “But for the lovers, their arms / Round the griefs of the ages”
   Character / Speaker: The Poet
   Stanza: 2
   Explanation: The poet dedicates his poetry to lovers who live with both love and sorrow. “Griefs of the ages” refers to the timeless pain and emotion that all humans share, making love and loss universal experiences.
5. Quote: “Who pay no praise or wages / Nor heed my craft or art.”
   Character / Speaker: The Poet
   Stanza: 2
   Explanation: The poet admits that those he writes for — the simple, loving people — neither praise him nor pay him. Yet he finds joy in writing for them. This shows his selfless devotion to art and humanity, not to reward or recognition.