Poem Analysis - Deaths And Entrances

A World on the Brink

Dylan Thomas's "Deaths And Entrances" is a dense, evocative poem, steeped in a sense of impending doom and dramatic transformation. The poem carries a somber, almost apocalyptic tone, presenting a world teetering on the edge of destruction and renewal. While the language is often cryptic and intensely metaphorical, the overarching feeling is one of profound loss and the cyclical nature of life and death. The mood shifts between lamentation for what is lost and a sense of defiant hope for what might emerge from the ashes.

Echoes of Wartime

While not explicitly stated, the poem resonates with the atmosphere of World War II, a period of immense destruction and loss during which Thomas lived and wrote. The use of words like "incendiary" and "thunderbolts" creates a sense of devastation and violence that reflects the wartime experience. The poem's preoccupation with death, entrances, and the sacrifice of individuals can be seen as an indirect commentary on the human cost of conflict.

Mortality's Grip and Love's Persistence

One of the most prominent themes in "Deaths And Entrances" is mortality. The poem is saturated with images of death, wounds, and graves, emphasizing the fragility of life. However, alongside mortality, the poem hints at the enduring power of love and connection, even in the face of death. The repeated references to "your" heart and the actions of "friends" and "neighbors" suggest that human bonds persist despite the pervasive sense of loss. The poem suggests a cyclical existence where entrances (births, new beginnings) occur alongside deaths, hinting at a continuous renewal. Another underlying theme is sacrifice, particularly evident in phrases like "strode for your own dead" and "last Samson of your zodiac," suggesting that individuals are willing to make ultimate sacrifices for something larger than themselves.

Infernos and Thunderclaps: Symbols of Transformation

The poem is rich in symbolic imagery. The "incendiary eve" and "thunderbolts" serve as powerful symbols of destruction but also of purification and transformation. Fire, particularly, has dual significance, representing both the destructive forces of war and the transformative power of change. The image of the "luminous" heart in the darkness suggests the presence of hope and resilience even in the most desolate circumstances. Furthermore, the "male sea" in which the unknown figure bathes could represent a cleansing, a baptism into a new state of being after immense suffering. The "locks and caves" perhaps represent the hidden depths of the human psyche, where fear and hope constantly battle for dominance, and the "keys" symbolize the access, or lack thereof, to emotional and physical freedom.

A Final Reckoning and Enduring Hope

In conclusion, "Deaths And Entrances" is a complex and challenging poem that grapples with themes of mortality, love, sacrifice, and renewal. Through its vivid imagery and evocative language, Thomas creates a world on the brink of collapse, yet also hints at the possibility of redemption. The poem's ultimate message is not one of despair, but of resilience. It recognizes that even in the face of immense loss and destruction, the human spirit endures, and new beginnings are always possible. Though the poem is shrouded in ambiguity, one could interpret the "last Samson of your zodiac" as a symbol of ultimate sacrifice and potential rebirth, suggesting that even the greatest losses can pave the way for new eras.