Dylan Thomas and Symbolism

Paper Summary:

When one examines the early poems of Dylan Thomas, the contents and techniques of his volumes, with a few exceptions, beckon symbolic gestures. Conversely, other works by Thomas, also rich with symbolism, contain contrasts in diction and leave one to wonder if his critics are correct. Though to classify Thomas in any way might seem a futile task, the aim of this paper is to provide an examination of the similarities and contrasts of symbolic representations found in his early poems and in the poem "There was a Saviour." The paper shows that while the early poems of Thomas are a cornucopia of symbolism paralleled in content and style, "There was a Saviour" contains an exposition and subtexts that rarely meet in any similar fashion.

From the Paper:

"In the analysis of "There was a Saviour," the peculiarity of its language compels us to set about constructing a meaning for it, and allows us to wonder how it is that the diction contain many contrasts not only within its own reading, but among his other poems. The poem in its entirety presents considerable difficulty. Even the syntax is difficult. The striking thing about the syntax is the peculiarity of the tenses and pronouns. Unlike the linear fashion that his other works exhibit, in reading "Saviour" it is difficult to make out what point in time we are supposed to be made aware of."

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