Dylan Thomas is widely regarded as one of the most important poets of the 20th century, known for his vivid imagery and complex use of language. In this article, we will analyze one of his most famous poems, “Altarwise by Owl-Light,” in order to gain a deeper understanding of Thomas’s literary style and the themes he explores in his work. Through close reading and careful analysis, we will explore the poem’s structure, imagery, and symbolism, as well as its historical and cultural context, in order to decode the rich layers of meaning contained within this enigmatic and haunting work.
Background Information
Dylan Thomas was a Welsh poet and writer who gained international recognition for his unique style of writing. Born in Swansea, Wales in 1914, Thomas began writing at a young age and published his first book of poetry, “18 Poems,” in 1934. He went on to write several other collections of poetry, as well as plays, short stories, and radio broadcasts. Thomas’s work is known for its vivid imagery, complex language, and themes of life, death, and the natural world. “Altarwise by Owl-Light” is one of his most famous poems, and has been the subject of much literary analysis and interpretation.
Structure and Form
The structure and form of Dylan Thomas’ poem “Altarwise by Owl-Light” is complex and multi-layered. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different number of lines and a distinct rhyme scheme. The first stanza has six lines and follows an ABABCC rhyme scheme, while the second stanza has eight lines and follows an ABABCDCD rhyme scheme. The final stanza has seven lines and follows an ABABCBC rhyme scheme.
The poem also employs a variety of literary devices, including alliteration, assonance, and repetition. For example, the repeated use of the phrase “altarwise by owl-light” creates a sense of ritual and mystery throughout the poem. Additionally, the use of alliteration in phrases such as “the moon is my mother” and “the owl is my father” adds to the poem’s dreamlike quality.
Overall, the structure and form of “Altarwise by Owl-Light” contribute to the poem’s overall meaning and themes. The use of different rhyme schemes and literary devices creates a sense of complexity and depth, while the repetition of certain phrases and images adds to the poem’s overall sense of mystery and ritual.
Imagery and Symbolism
The use of imagery and symbolism in Dylan Thomas’ poem “Altarwise by Owl-Light” is crucial to understanding its deeper meaning. Throughout the poem, Thomas employs vivid and often surreal imagery to create a dreamlike atmosphere that blurs the line between reality and fantasy. The owl, for example, is a recurring symbol that represents wisdom, mystery, and the supernatural. Its presence in the poem suggests that the speaker is on a journey of self-discovery, seeking knowledge and enlightenment. The use of color imagery is also significant, with the color white representing purity and innocence, while black symbolizes darkness and the unknown. By decoding the various symbols and images in the poem, readers can gain a deeper understanding of its themes and message.
Language and Diction
In “Altarwise by Owl-Light,” Dylan Thomas employs a rich and complex language that is characteristic of his poetic style. The poem is filled with vivid imagery and metaphors that create a dreamlike atmosphere, making it difficult to discern what is real and what is not. Thomas also uses diction to convey the mood and tone of the poem. The use of archaic words such as “thou” and “thy” adds a sense of timelessness to the poem, while the use of words like “savage” and “wild” creates a sense of danger and unpredictability. Overall, Thomas’s language and diction in “Altarwise by Owl-Light” contribute to the poem’s surreal and haunting quality.
Themes and Motifs
One of the prominent themes in Dylan Thomas’ poem “Altarwise by Owl-Light” is the idea of transformation. Throughout the poem, the speaker describes a series of metamorphoses, from the “owl-faced hawk” to the “moon-man” to the “sun-snouted serpent.” These transformations suggest a fluidity of identity and a sense of constant change.
Another important motif in the poem is the use of animal imagery. The speaker describes various creatures, from the aforementioned owl-faced hawk to “the fox-faced owl” and “the rat-faced stoat.” These animal images serve to create a sense of otherworldliness and mystery, as well as to emphasize the theme of transformation.
Overall, “Altarwise by Owl-Light” is a complex and multi-layered poem that explores themes of transformation and identity through the use of vivid imagery and animal motifs.
Narrative Perspective
The narrative perspective in Dylan Thomas’ “Altarwise by Owl-Light” is a crucial element in understanding the poem’s meaning and message. The poem is written in the first-person point of view, with the speaker addressing an unknown audience. This perspective allows the reader to experience the speaker’s emotions and thoughts firsthand, creating a more intimate connection between the reader and the poem. Additionally, the use of the first-person perspective allows the speaker to express their personal beliefs and opinions, which are central to the poem’s themes of death, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of life. Overall, the narrative perspective in “Altarwise by Owl-Light” plays a significant role in shaping the poem’s meaning and impact on the reader.
Religious Allusions
In “Altarwise by Owl-Light,” Dylan Thomas employs various religious allusions to convey the theme of death and rebirth. The title itself is a reference to the Catholic Mass, where the altar is the focal point of the ceremony and the owl is a symbol of wisdom and vigilance. Thomas also uses biblical imagery, such as the “seraphim of heartbreak” and the “angel of the grave,” to evoke a sense of spiritual transcendence. These allusions add depth and complexity to the poem, inviting readers to explore the deeper meanings behind the words.
Biographical Influences
Dylan Thomas was born in Swansea, Wales in 1914. His father was a schoolmaster and his mother was a seamstress. Thomas was the second child of the family and had three siblings. His father was a strict disciplinarian and often beat him for his misbehavior. This had a profound impact on Thomas and his writing. He often wrote about the pain and suffering he experienced as a child. Thomas was also influenced by the Welsh language and culture. He was proud of his Welsh heritage and often incorporated Welsh mythology and folklore into his writing. Thomas was a prolific writer and wrote poetry, plays, and short stories. He was known for his use of language and his ability to create vivid images with his words. Thomas died in 1953 at the age of 39. His legacy lives on through his writing, which continues to inspire and influence writers today.
Analysis of Specific Lines/Stanzas
One of the most striking stanzas in Dylan Thomas’ “Altarwise by Owl-Light” is the third stanza, which reads:
“Out of the whinnying green stable.
On to the fields of praise, cat-shaped,
Cat-crept, the world winking fit to be eaten,
The meal smokes onward.”
This stanza is particularly interesting because of the way Thomas uses animal imagery to describe the world. The cat, a common symbol of independence and mystery, is used to represent the world as it moves forward, “fit to be eaten.” This suggests that the world is both vulnerable and powerful, capable of being consumed but also capable of consuming.
The use of the word “whinnying” to describe the stable is also significant. This word is typically used to describe the sound of a horse, but in this context, it suggests a sense of restlessness and unease. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with images of movement and transformation.
Overall, this stanza is a powerful example of Thomas’ use of vivid imagery and symbolism to convey complex ideas about the nature of the world and our place in it.
Comparative Analysis with Other Thomas Poems
When comparing “Altarwise by Owl-Light” to other poems by Dylan Thomas, it becomes clear that his use of language and imagery is consistent throughout his work. In particular, his fascination with the natural world and its relationship to human experience is evident in poems such as “Fern Hill” and “The Force That Through the Green Fuse Drives the Flower.”
However, “Altarwise by Owl-Light” stands out for its surreal and dreamlike quality, which is not as prominent in Thomas’s other works. The poem’s use of animal imagery, such as the owl and the fox, adds to its otherworldly atmosphere and creates a sense of mystery and ambiguity.
Additionally, the poem’s structure and use of repetition is reminiscent of Thomas’s famous poem “Do not go gentle into that good night.” Both poems feature a repeated refrain that emphasizes the poem’s central theme and creates a sense of urgency.
Overall, while “Altarwise by Owl-Light” shares similarities with other poems by Dylan Thomas, its unique use of surreal imagery and repetition sets it apart as a standout work in his oeuvre.
Interpretations and Criticisms
The poem “Altarwise by Owl-Light” has been subject to various interpretations and criticisms over the years. Some critics argue that the poem is a reflection of Thomas’s personal struggles with alcoholism and his fear of death. Others suggest that the poem is a commentary on the human condition and the struggle to find meaning in life.
One of the most common criticisms of the poem is its use of obscure language and imagery. Some readers find it difficult to understand the meaning behind the words and symbols used in the poem. However, others argue that the ambiguity of the language is intentional and adds to the overall effect of the poem.
Another criticism of the poem is its lack of a clear narrative structure. The poem jumps from one image to another without a clear sense of progression or development. However, some readers argue that this lack of structure is intentional and reflects the chaotic nature of life.
Despite these criticisms, “Altarwise by Owl-Light” remains a powerful and evocative poem that continues to captivate readers and inspire new interpretations. Its use of vivid imagery and complex language make it a challenging but rewarding work of literature.
Reception and Legacy
The reception of “Altarwise by Owl-Light” has been mixed since its publication in 1934. Some critics have praised the poem for its vivid imagery and use of language, while others have criticized it for being too obscure and difficult to understand. Despite this, the poem has remained a popular subject of literary analysis and has been studied by scholars and students alike. Its legacy can be seen in the numerous references to it in popular culture, including in music and film. Overall, “Altarwise by Owl-Light” continues to be a significant work in the canon of Dylan Thomas’s poetry.
Cultural and Historical Context
To fully understand Dylan Thomas’ poem “Altarwise by Owl-Light,” it is important to consider the cultural and historical context in which it was written. Thomas was a Welsh poet who lived during a time of great political and social change in Wales. The poem was written in 1934, just a few years before the outbreak of World War II, and during a period of economic depression in Wales.
Thomas was also part of a literary movement known as the “Angry Young Men,” which was a group of writers who were critical of the establishment and sought to challenge traditional values and norms. This movement was a response to the conservative culture of the time, and it sought to give voice to the frustrations and anxieties of the working class.
In “Altarwise by Owl-Light,” Thomas uses vivid imagery and language to explore themes of death, rebirth, and transformation. The poem is filled with references to Welsh mythology and folklore, which adds to its cultural significance. The owl, for example, is a symbol of wisdom and knowledge in Welsh mythology, and its presence in the poem suggests that the speaker is seeking guidance and understanding.
Overall, the cultural and historical context of “Altarwise by Owl-Light” is essential to understanding its meaning and significance. By exploring the political and social climate of Wales during the time of its writing, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the themes and ideas that Thomas was exploring in his work.
Psychological and Philosophical Interpretations
One of the most intriguing aspects of Dylan Thomas’s poem “Altarwise by Owl-Light” is its psychological and philosophical interpretations. Many scholars have analyzed the poem through the lens of psychoanalytic theory, exploring the themes of death, rebirth, and the unconscious mind. Others have delved into the philosophical implications of the poem, examining its existentialist themes and its commentary on the human condition. Ultimately, these interpretations offer a deeper understanding of the poem’s meaning and its significance in the literary canon.
Feminist and Gender Perspectives
In “Altarwise by Owl-Light,” Dylan Thomas presents a complex portrayal of gender roles and power dynamics. The poem’s central figure, a woman, is depicted as both alluring and dangerous, with the speaker describing her as “a witch” and “a queen.” This characterization reflects the historical association of women with witchcraft and the fear of female power. However, the woman in the poem is also portrayed as a victim, with the speaker describing her as “crying” and “afraid.” This suggests that even powerful women are not immune to the patriarchal structures that limit their agency and subject them to violence. Overall, “Altarwise by Owl-Light” offers a nuanced exploration of gender and power that invites readers to question traditional gender roles and the ways in which they shape our understanding of the world.
Racial and Ethnic Interpretations
In “Altarwise by Owl-Light,” Dylan Thomas explores themes of identity and belonging through the lens of race and ethnicity. The poem’s use of animal imagery, particularly the owl, can be interpreted as a nod to Native American culture and spirituality. Additionally, the line “the blackbird’s shadow / trod the stairs of my heart” can be seen as a reference to African American culture and the struggle for equality. These interpretations add layers of complexity to the poem’s exploration of the human experience and the search for meaning in a diverse and often divided world.
Environmental and Ecocritical Interpretations
One of the most interesting aspects of “Altarwise by Owl-Light” is its potential for environmental and ecocritical interpretations. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions of the natural world, from the “owl-light” that illuminates the landscape to the “wind-wandering weed” that grows in the fields. These descriptions are not just decorative, but are integral to the poem’s meaning.
At its core, “Altarwise by Owl-Light” is a meditation on the relationship between humans and the natural world. The poem suggests that humans have become disconnected from nature, and that this disconnection has led to a sense of alienation and despair. The speaker longs to reconnect with the natural world, to “be the greenwood magician, / And take the wand away.”
This theme is particularly relevant in our current moment, as we face a global environmental crisis. The poem reminds us that our relationship with the natural world is not just a matter of aesthetics or recreation, but is essential to our very survival. As the speaker says, “I must enter again the round / Zion of the water bead / And the synagogue of the ear of corn.”
Overall, “Altarwise by Owl-Light” is a powerful reminder of the importance of our relationship with the natural world. It challenges us to reconnect with nature, and to recognize the ways in which our own well-being is intertwined with the health of the planet.
Mythological and Archetypal Interpretations
In “Altarwise by Owl-Light,” Dylan Thomas employs mythological and archetypal interpretations to convey his message. The poem is rich in symbolism, and the use of mythical creatures such as the owl and the serpent adds depth to the poem’s meaning. The owl, for instance, is a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, while the serpent represents temptation and deceit. Thomas also uses archetypes such as the hero and the trickster to explore the human condition. The hero, in this case, is the speaker who is on a quest for truth and enlightenment, while the trickster is the serpent who tries to lead him astray. By using these mythological and archetypal elements, Thomas creates a universal message that resonates with readers across time and cultures.