Discuss the symbols used in the poems of Dylan Thomas

Answer

Discuss the symbols used in the poems of Dylan Thomas.

A symbol is a mark, sign, or word that signifies an idea, object, or relationship. Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) uses symbols to emphasize his poetry. We will now keenly observe Dylan Thomas’s symbolism in his famous poems.  

Symbols in “Poem in October”: ‘Poem in October’ contains various types of symbols. At the beginning of the poem, the poet finds a heron on the shore. To him, the heron becomes a symbol of sacredness and is regarded as a priest sitting on the seashore. The ‘Winged Trees’ symbolize the poem in which the poet celebrates his birthday. 

The waves of the ocean rising high seem to the poet a prayer to heaven on the occasion of his birthday. The call of the seagull coming from the shore, the crowing of the rooks from the wood, and the knock of the sailing boats near the harbour symbolize an invitation to the poet to wake up and come out to enjoy the beauty of nature. 

The word ‘Dylan’ in English means ‘high tide,’ so the birds may simply be flying the rising waves. The white horse symbolizes something highly desirable. The morning symbolizes a fresh start, renewal, and the beginning of the poet’s birthday. It represents awakening the poet’s consciousness to the world around him.

“And I rose
In a rainy autumn
And walked abroad in shower of all my days.”

The morning is a time of self-discovery and reflection for the poet as he contemplates the passage of time.

Symbols in Fern Hill: Fern Hill is a simple poem by Thomas. Here, Dylan Thomas uses very few Symbols. ‘Adam and maiden’ symbolizes the wonderful state of innocent childhood or boyhood. The expression