Poem Analysis - Elegy

A Portrait of Grief and Enduring Memory

Dylan Thomas's "Elegy" is a deeply personal and melancholic reflection on the death of an old man, likely his father. The poem is permeated with a sense of loss, regret, and the enduring power of memory. Its tone is somber and reverent, shifting between descriptions of the man's final days and the speaker's own grief-stricken present. The poem explores the complex emotions surrounding death, including pride, pain, faith, and the struggle against mortality, culminating in a poignant declaration of lasting remembrance.

The Shadow of Mortality

One of the primary themes explored in "Elegy" is mortality itself and the struggle to accept death with dignity. The poem dwells on the physical decline and suffering of the old man, emphasizing his blindness and frailty: "broken and blind he died / The darkest way." Thomas portrays the man's defiance in the face of death as "brave in his narrow pride," suggesting both admiration and a degree of pity. The poem also grapples with the spiritual dimension of death, questioning the man's relationship with God and the potential for peace or rest in the afterlife: "Being innocent, he dreaded that he died / Hating his God." This suggests a fear of judgement, or perhaps simply a rejection of faith in the face of overwhelming suffering.

The Pain of Loss and the Burden of Memory

The theme of loss is central to the poem, and it is deeply intertwined with the speaker's personal grief. The poem isn't merely a description of death, but also a lament for the departed. The speaker's presence in the "crouching room, by his blind bed" highlights the intimacy of the loss, and the vivid image of the "rivers of the dead / Veined his poor hand" conveys the profound connection between life and death. Moreover, the speaker's vow, "He and he / Will never never go out of my mind," underscores the enduring nature of grief and the responsibility of carrying the memory of the deceased. The final lines, "Until I die he will not leave my side," further emphasize the speaker's lasting bond with the departed.

The Paradox of Pride and Tears

Pride emerges as a recurring motif, particularly in relation to the man's stoicism and resistance to showing emotion. The phrase "Too proud to cry" appears repeatedly, highlighting the man's struggle to maintain composure in the face of immense pain. This pride, however, is juxtaposed with the inevitability of tears, both literal and figurative. The lines "Too proud to cry, too frail to check the tears" encapsulates this paradox, showing the vulnerability that underlies the man's outward strength. The tears can also be interpreted as a symbol of acceptance. As the man nears death, the tears become more prominent, indicating the walls he built are beginning to crumble.

The Symbolic Power of Darkness and Light

The poem is rich in imagery, particularly the contrast between darkness and light. "The darkest way" and "the darkest day" emphasize the gloom and despair surrounding death, while images of light, such as "the last light glide" from the man's eyes and "the light of the lording sky," offer a glimmer of hope or transcendence. The speaker's vision "through his unseeing eyes to the roots of the sea" is a powerful image of interconnectedness and the mysteries of the universe. The sea, often associated with the subconscious and the unknown, suggests a deeper understanding of life and death beyond the realm of conscious experience.

Enduring Remembrance and Acceptance

In conclusion, "Elegy" is a deeply moving exploration of grief, mortality, and the enduring power of memory. Through vivid imagery, recurring motifs, and a somber tone, Dylan Thomas crafts a powerful portrait of a man facing death with a mixture of pride, pain, and fear. The poem ultimately suggests that while death is a source of profound sorrow, the memory of the departed can provide solace and lasting connection. The enduring presence of the old man in the speaker's mind serves as a testament to the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. The poem is an exercise in catharsis, illustrating that acknowledging and confronting grief allows for a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.