'O Make Me A Mask' by Dylan Thomas
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O make me a mask and a wall to shut from your spies
Of the sharp, enamelled eyes and the spectacled claws
Rape and rebellion in the nurseries of my face,
Gag of dumbstruck tree to block from bare enemies
The bayonet tongue in this undefended prayerpiece,
The present mouth, and the sweetly blown trumpet of lies,
Shaped in old armour and oak the countenance of a dunce
To shield the glistening brain and blunt the examiners,
And a tear-stained widower grief drooped from the lashes
To veil belladonna and let the dry eyes perceive
Others betray the lamenting lies of their losses
By the curve of the nude mouth or the laugh up the sleeve.
Submitted by Venus
Editor 1 Interpretation
O Make Me A Mask by Dylan Thomas: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever been lost in a dream? Have you ever felt that the boundaries between reality and imagination are blurred? If you have, then you will find the poem “O Make Me A Mask” by Dylan Thomas deeply relatable. Although the poem is only sixteen lines long, it is packed with symbolism and metaphors that can take the reader on a journey of self-discovery. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and language used in the poem to understand its true meaning.
The Themes of “O Make Me A Mask”
At its core, “O Make Me A Mask” is a poem about identity and the search for self. The speaker of the poem is asking for a mask to be made, but not just any mask. They want a mask that will reveal their true self, their innermost feelings and emotions. This quest for identity is a theme that is present in much of Dylan Thomas’s work.
Another theme that is present in the poem is the idea of illusion vs reality. The speaker talks about wanting a mask that will “show the glint of the real metal”. This could be interpreted as a desire to find truth in a world that is often full of deception and lies. The mask is a symbol of the many different faces that people show to the world, and the speaker wants to find the one that is truly them.
The Symbolism of “O Make Me A Mask”
One of the most striking elements of “O Make Me A Mask” is its use of symbolism. The poem is filled with metaphors and images that can be interpreted in many different ways. Let us examine some of the key symbols in the poem:
- Mask: The mask is the central symbol of the poem. It represents the many different faces that people show to the world. The speaker wants a mask that will reveal their true self, their innermost feelings and emotions.
- Gold: The mask is made of gold, which symbolizes wealth and power. However, the speaker also wants the mask to “show the glint of the real metal”, which could be interpreted as a desire to find truth in a world that often values material possessions over personal values.
- Silver: The silver in the poem could represent purity and clarity. The speaker wants the mask to be “silvered with belief”, which could be interpreted as a desire for clarity of purpose and conviction in their beliefs.
- Moths: The poem mentions “moths among the whisperings”. Moths are often associated with death and decay, but they can also symbolize transformation and rebirth. The moth could be interpreted as a symbol of the speaker’s desire to shed their old self and become something new.
- Whisperings: The whisperings in the poem could represent the voices in the speaker’s head. They are seeking a mask that will help them find their true self, which could be interpreted as a desire to silence the voices of doubt and insecurity.
The Language of “O Make Me A Mask”
The language used in “O Make Me A Mask” is rich and evocative. Dylan Thomas uses vivid imagery and metaphorical language to create a dreamlike atmosphere. Let us take a closer look at some of the key phrases in the poem:
- “O make me a mask”: This line is a plea or a prayer. The speaker is asking for help in their quest for self-discovery.
- “Show the glint of the real metal”: This line could be interpreted as a desire for authenticity and truth.
- “Silvered with belief”: This line could be interpreted as a desire for clarity of purpose and conviction in their beliefs.
- “Moths among the whisperings”: This line creates a haunting image of a world of secrets and whispers.
- “Let me be gay”: This line is often misinterpreted as a desire for happiness. However, in the context of the poem, it is more likely a desire for freedom and self-expression.
Conclusion
“O Make Me A Mask” is a powerful poem that explores the themes of identity and illusion vs reality. The use of symbolism and metaphorical language creates a dreamlike atmosphere that draws the reader in. The mask is a central symbol that represents the many different faces that people show to the world. The poem is a plea or a prayer for help in the quest for self-discovery. It is a call to shed the old self and become something new. In the end, the poem is a reminder that we all wear masks, but it is up to us to find the one that is truly us.
So, did reading this poem make you feel like you were lost in a dream too? Did it make you question your own identity and search for your true self? That is the beauty of “O Make Me A Mask”. It is a poem that speaks to the universal human experience of trying to find our place in the world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
O Make Me A Mask: A Poem of Identity and Transformation
Dylan Thomas’ “O Make Me A Mask” is a classic poem that explores the themes of identity, transformation, and the power of imagination. Written in 1945, the poem is a reflection of the post-war era, where people were struggling to find their place in a world that had been shattered by conflict. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of the poem, exploring its themes, imagery, and language.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing an unknown entity, asking them to “make me a mask” that will hide his true identity. The mask is not just a physical object, but a metaphor for the various roles and personas that we adopt in our lives. The speaker is asking for a mask that will allow him to escape from his current identity and become someone else entirely. He wants to be transformed, to shed his old self and become something new.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with its vivid imagery and powerful language. The speaker asks for a mask that is “as gay as a girl’s” and “as sad as a spent year”. These contrasting images suggest that the speaker is looking for a mask that can express both joy and sorrow, happiness and pain. He wants a mask that can encompass the full range of human emotions, allowing him to experience life in all its complexity.
The second stanza continues this theme of transformation, with the speaker asking for a mask that is “as tall as a tree” and “as wide as a wall”. These images suggest that the speaker wants a mask that is larger than life, that can make him feel powerful and invincible. He wants to be able to hide behind this mask and become someone else entirely, someone who is not bound by the limitations of his current identity.
The third stanza introduces the idea of the mask as a means of escape. The speaker asks for a mask that will allow him to “fly” and “swim” and “run”. These images suggest that the speaker wants to be able to escape from his current life and become someone who is free to explore the world. He wants to be able to fly like a bird, swim like a fish, and run like a cheetah. He wants to be able to experience life in all its richness and diversity.
The fourth stanza introduces the idea of the mask as a means of protection. The speaker asks for a mask that will protect him from the “sharp and loud” world outside. These images suggest that the speaker is looking for a way to shield himself from the harsh realities of life. He wants to be able to retreat into his own world, where he can be safe and protected from the dangers of the outside world.
The fifth stanza introduces the idea of the mask as a means of self-expression. The speaker asks for a mask that will allow him to “laugh” and “weep” and “sing”. These images suggest that the speaker wants to be able to express himself fully, without fear of judgment or ridicule. He wants to be able to laugh when he feels happy, weep when he feels sad, and sing when he feels joyful.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, with the speaker asking for a mask that will allow him to “be” whoever he wants to be. These images suggest that the speaker is looking for a way to escape from his current identity and become someone else entirely. He wants to be able to shed his old self and become someone new, someone who is free to explore the world and experience life in all its richness and diversity.
In conclusion, “O Make Me A Mask” is a powerful poem that explores the themes of identity, transformation, and the power of imagination. Through its vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem invites us to explore the various roles and personas that we adopt in our lives, and to consider the ways in which we can use our imagination to transform ourselves and our world. Whether we are looking for a way to escape from our current identity, to protect ourselves from the harsh realities of life, or to express ourselves fully, the poem reminds us that the power to transform ourselves is always within our reach.
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