'On No Work Of Words' by Dylan Thomas


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On no work of words now for three lean months in thebloody
Belly of the rich year and the big purse of my body
I bitterly take to task my poverty and craft:To take to give is all, return what is hungrily given
Puffing the pounds of manna up through the dew to heaven,
The lovely gift of the gab bangs back on a blind shaft.To lift to leave from treasures of man is pleasing death
That will rake at last all currencies of the marked breath
And count the taken, forsaken mysteries in a bad dark.To surrender now is to pay the expensive ogre twice.
Ancient woods of my blood, dash down to the nut of the seas
If I take to burn or return this world which is each man'swork.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Introduction

Dylan Thomas is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his poem "On No Work of Words" is a significant contribution to modern poetry. The poem is a complex exploration of the relationship between language and reality, and it challenges the reader to reconsider how we understand the world around us. In this literary criticism and interpretation of the poem, we will explore the themes and poetic techniques used by Thomas to create a work of art that continues to captivate readers today.

Overview of the Poem

"On No Work of Words" is a short but complex poem that explores the relationship between language and reality. The poem begins with the line, "On no work of words now for three lean months in the bloody/belly of the rich year and the big purse of my body," immediately setting the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is suggesting that he has not been writing for a while, and that he has been in a dark place both physically and emotionally.

The poem goes on to explore the idea that language is inadequate when it comes to describing the world around us. The speaker suggests that words are "fumbler's hands," and that they cannot capture the true essence of things. Instead, the speaker suggests that we should look to nature to understand the world around us, as "the green fuse drives the flower."

Themes

The theme of language and its limitations is central to this poem. The speaker suggests that words are inadequate when it comes to capturing the true essence of things, and that we should look to nature instead. This theme is also reflected in the title of the poem, which suggests that "no work of words" can truly capture the beauty of the world around us.

Another theme in the poem is the idea of nature as a driving force. The speaker suggests that nature is the ultimate power that drives everything in the world, from the growth of flowers to the movement of the stars. This theme is also reflected in the line, "the force that through the green fuse drives the flower," which suggests that nature is responsible for the growth and development of all living things.

The theme of time is also present in this poem, as the speaker suggests that he has not been writing for "three lean months." This idea of time passing is also reflected in the changing seasons, as the speaker mentions the "bloody/belly of the rich year."

Poetic Techniques

Thomas uses a variety of poetic techniques to create a powerful and evocative poem. One of the most notable techniques is his use of imagery, which helps to create a vivid and sensory experience for the reader. For example, the line "the bloody/belly of the rich year" creates a strong visual image of the changing seasons and the passage of time.

Another technique that Thomas uses is repetition, which helps to reinforce the themes and ideas of the poem. For example, the phrase "no work of words" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the idea that language is inadequate when it comes to describing the world around us.

Thomas also uses metaphor to create deeper meaning in the poem. For example, the line "the force that through the green fuse drives the flower" is a metaphor for the power of nature and its ability to drive the growth and development of all living things.

Interpretation

"On No Work of Words" is a complex and nuanced poem that challenges the reader to think deeply about the relationship between language and reality. The poem suggests that words are inadequate when it comes to describing the world around us, and that we should look to nature to understand the true essence of things.

The poem also suggests that time is a powerful force that shapes our experiences and perceptions of the world. The changing seasons and the passage of time are reflected in the imagery and language of the poem, emphasizing the idea that everything is constantly in a state of flux and change.

Overall, "On No Work of Words" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its exploration of the limitations of language and the power of nature make it a significant contribution to modern poetry, and a testament to Dylan Thomas's skill as a poet.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry On No Work Of Words: An Analysis of Dylan Thomas' Masterpiece

Dylan Thomas, the Welsh poet, is known for his unique style of writing that combines vivid imagery, musicality, and a deep sense of spirituality. His poem, "Poetry On No Work Of Words," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of his poetic vision. In this article, we will analyze this poem in detail and explore its themes, structure, and language.

The poem begins with the lines, "Poetry on no work of words / Tends to beget in us / An involved despair." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the nature of poetry and its relationship to the human experience. Thomas suggests that poetry that is not grounded in the real world can lead to a sense of despair, as it fails to connect with the reader's lived experience.

The first stanza of the poem is a reflection on the power of language and its ability to evoke emotions and ideas. Thomas writes, "All the great poems make us feel / The rich, the strange, the deep." He suggests that poetry has the power to transport us to other worlds and to make us feel deeply. However, he also warns that poetry that is too abstract or disconnected from reality can lead to a sense of despair.

The second stanza of the poem is a reflection on the relationship between poetry and the natural world. Thomas writes, "The poem springs from the half-spoken words of such / As are in the world, and that world is / Mostly not spoken of." He suggests that poetry is rooted in the real world and that it is the poet's job to give voice to the unspoken aspects of that world. He also suggests that the natural world is a source of inspiration for poetry, as it is full of beauty and mystery.

The third stanza of the poem is a reflection on the relationship between poetry and spirituality. Thomas writes, "The poem of the mind in the act of finding / What will suffice." He suggests that poetry is a spiritual quest, a search for meaning and purpose in a world that can often seem chaotic and meaningless. He also suggests that poetry is a way of connecting with something greater than ourselves, whether that be God, nature, or the universe.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the relationship between poetry and the human experience. Thomas writes, "It has not always had / To find: the scene was set; it repeated what / Was in the script." He suggests that poetry is not just a reflection of the world, but also a reflection of the human experience. He suggests that poetry can help us to understand ourselves and our place in the world.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the power of poetry to transform the world. Thomas writes, "We make out of the quarrel with others, rhetoric, / But of the quarrel with ourselves, poetry." He suggests that poetry is a way of transforming our inner selves and that it can have a profound impact on the world around us. He suggests that poetry can help us to see the world in a new way and to imagine a better future.

In terms of structure, the poem is composed of five stanzas, each with three lines. The poem has a musical quality, with a rhythm and flow that is reminiscent of a song. The language is rich and evocative, with vivid imagery and metaphors that bring the poem to life.

In conclusion, "Poetry On No Work Of Words" is a masterpiece of modern poetry that captures the essence of Dylan Thomas' poetic vision. The poem is a meditation on the nature of poetry and its relationship to the human experience. It suggests that poetry is rooted in the real world, that it is a spiritual quest, and that it has the power to transform the world. The poem is a testament to the power of language and its ability to evoke emotions and ideas. It is a work of art that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

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