Topic : Poem in October

Main text

Poem in October By Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) It was my thirtieth year to heaven Woke to my hearing from harbour and neighbour wood And the mussel pooled and the heron Priested shore The morning beckon With water praying and call of seagull and rook And the knock of sailing boats on the net webbed wall Myself to set foot That second In the still sleeping town and set forth. My birthday began with the water- Birds and the birds of the winged trees flying my name Above the farms and the white horses And I rose In rainy autumn And [...]

Key info

“Poem in October ” is a famous nostalgic poem by Dylan Thomas. Look at the key facts of the poem to get a quick conception.

• Title: Poem in October
• Author: Dylan Thomas (October 27, 1914 - November 9, 1953)
• Full Name of Dylan Thomas: Dylan Marlais Thomas
• Written Date: 1941- 44, Completed in 1944.
• Published Date: 1945
• Genre: Pastoral Lyric Poem
• Literary Movement: Modernism

Summary

"Poem in October" is an iconic poem by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. It is a nostalgic and reflective poem on the poet's birthday in October. The poem describes the poet's thoughts about the beauty of nature and his old age during that month.

Describing October's peaceful and serene environment: The poet begins the poem by describing October's peaceful and serene environment. He speaks of the calmness of the sea and the beauty of the trees. The poet then takes us through his thoughts and memories. He remembers the joy of his childhood, his friends' laughter, and his youth's innocence. He reflects on how he grew up and how time has passed so quickly.

Themes

"Poem in October" by Dylan Thomas is a beautifully evocative poem that celebrates the poet's birthday. The poem explores several important themes that continue to resonate with readers today. Here are some of the critical themes of the poem:

Time

The poem explores the passage of time, specifically the poet's ageing as he celebrates his birthday in October. Time is portrayed as both relentless and cyclical, with the seasons changing and marking the years.

Characters

"Poem in October" is an iconic poem by Dylan Thomas. The poem doesn't have specific characters in the traditional sense; it does personify elements of nature and the poet himself.

Dylan Thomas

The poet is the poem's central character. He is the one experiencing and narrating the day's events, reflecting on his past and his connection to nature.

Nature

Nature is a principal character in the poem. It is personified as the sea, the hills, the trees, and the animals. Nature plays an influential role in setting the tone and atmosphere of the poem, as well as in shaping the poet's emotions and memories.

Literary devices

"Poem in October" by Dylan Thomas is a richly crafted poem. The poem is filled with literary devices that enrich its beauty and meaning. Here are some of the literary devices used in this poem:

Imagery

The poem is filled with vivid, evocative imagery that appeals to the senses. For example, "And I rose in rainy autumn" portrays a wet autumn morning.

Metaphor

The poem uses metaphor to resemble life's journey to a boat "sailing into the past."

Personification

Nature is personified in the poem. For example, the "wind... walking" and the "sea-blue bird."

Quotations

"Poem in October" is a well-known poem by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. He is known for his lyrical and vivid imagery. The poem is filled with rich language and evocative descriptions. Here are some famous quotations from the poem, along with explanations:

 It was my thirtieth year to heaven

Explanation: In Dylan Thomas's "Poem in October," the line "It was my thirtieth year to heaven" refers to the speaker's reflection on turning thirty and finding a sense of spiritual or transcendent connection in nature.

My birthday began with the water-

Birds and the birds of the winged trees flying my name

Explanation: Dylan Thomas, the poet, describes the magical and celebratory start of his birthday.  Nature and birds seem to greet him by flying and singing his name.

And I rose

In a rainy autumn

And walked abroad in shower of all my days...