Poem Analysis - Especially When The October Wind

A World Woven with Words and Weather

Dylan Thomas's "Especially When The October Wind" is a densely textured poem, evoking a sense of vulnerability and a deep connection to the natural world. The poem blends personal experience with observations of the environment, creating a landscape that is both external and internal. The tone is initially melancholic, tinged with a sense of being exposed and punished, but it shifts towards a more assertive and creative exploration of language and perception, underscored by a recurring motif of entreaty. The poem ultimately feels like a plea to find meaning and connection through the transformative power of words.

Welsh Roots and Autumnal Resonance

While a specific historical or social context isn't overtly present, Dylan Thomas's strong connection to his native Wales permeates the poem. The frequent references to the landscape, particularly the inclusion of "the loud hill of Wales," position the poem within a specifically Welsh geography. The poem's autumnal setting, with its "October wind" and "autumnal spells," also subtly reinforces themes of decay and transition, mirroring the speaker's introspective mood.

The Intertwined Themes of Vulnerability, Nature, and Language

One primary theme is that of vulnerability in the face of nature's power. The "October wind" is personified as a punishing force, its "frosty fingers" and "fists of turnips" attacking the speaker. This establishes a feeling of defenselessness and exposure. Secondly, the poem emphasizes the deep connection between the speaker and the natural world. Images of the sea, birds, trees, and meadows abound, suggesting an intimate relationship between the individual and their surroundings. The speaker seeks to understand and express their experiences through the language of nature, attempting to "make you of the vowelled beeches" and "the oaken voices." Finally, the poem explores the power and limitations of language. The speaker is "shut... in a tower of words," suggesting both the potential for isolation and the creative possibilities that language offers. The heart "sheds the syllabic blood," implying that language can be both vital and painful, capable of both expressing and draining emotion.

Crabs, Ravens, and Winds: Decoding the Poem's Symbols

The recurring image of the "crab" is particularly striking. The speaker casts "a shadow crab upon the land," suggesting a sense of being distorted or sideways in their perception. Crabs are often associated with sideways movement and a hidden existence, perhaps symbolizing a reluctance to confront emotions directly. The raven, mentioned twice, is another potent symbol. Ravens are traditionally associated with death, prophecy, and ill omen, suggesting a foreboding element within the speaker's experience. The poem's focus on the wind is also significant. The wind acts as a catalyst, both physically and metaphorically, stirring up emotions and prompting the speaker's reflections. The wind also carries messages and sounds, highlighting the auditory dimension of the speaker's experience. A possible interpretation is that the raven represents a challenge, or something the speaker is trying to tell the reader about the "raven's sins".

A Symphony of Senses and a Lingering Plea

In conclusion, "Especially When The October Wind" is a complex and evocative poem that explores the interplay between vulnerability, nature, and language. Through vivid imagery and a shifting tone, Dylan Thomas creates a world where the external landscape mirrors the internal state of the speaker. The poem's enduring power lies in its ability to capture the fleeting moments of perception and to transform them into a lasting meditation on the human condition. The poem's repeated phrase, "Some let me make you," underscores a fundamental desire for connection and understanding through the power of language, leaving the reader with a sense of both the beauty and the limitations of words.