Trace the poet’s shades of feelings on his birthday, ‘In Poem in October.’
Poem in October 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 Poem in October.
Answer
Trace the poet’s shades of feelings on his birthday, ‘In Poem in October.’
Dylan Thomas‘s (1914-1953) ‘Poem in October’ is a birthday poem. It tells of a speaker’s journey out of autumn and up a hill to reclaim childhood joy, the summer season, and his spirituality. The poem symbolizes his thoughts and feelings toward his present life, which starkly contrasts the picture of his small town.
Nostalgia and Reflection: The poem begins with nostalgia as the poet reflects on his past and the passage of time. He expresses a desire to revisit the innocence and wonder of his childhood. Thomas writes,
“It was my thirtieth year to heaven,
Woke to my hearing from harbour and neighbour wood.”
Joy and Celebration: It is the poet’s birthday, and despite the ageing process, he still finds joy and cause for celebration. He marks the day with a sense of significance and delight, feeling connected to the world around him on this special occasion.
Connection with Nature: The poet’s birthday celebration takes place in October, and nature is vividly described throughout the poem. Thomas uses rich imagery to convey his deep connection with the natural world, a source of solace and inspiration. He writes,
“I saw the wind boisterous in the trees
The lark above the eager stream.”
A Sense of Mortality: As the poem progresses, the poet’s feelings become more contemplative, and he grapples with the idea of mortality. He acknowledges the fleeting nature of life and how birthdays mark the passage of time. Thomas’s emotions shift from nostalgia to a sense of the inevitable course of time, as seen in the lines,
“My birthday began with the water-
Birds and the birds of the winged trees flying my name.”
In “Poem in October,” Dylan Thomas masterfully explores the themes of nostalgia, connection with nature, and considering mortality on his birthday. These emotions are knitted to create a rich and evocative portrayal of the poet’s inner world on this special day.