Poem Analysis - I Fellowed Sleep

A Journey Through Sleep and Beyond

Dylan Thomas's "I Fellowed Sleep" is a dense and evocative poem that explores the complex relationship between sleep, dreaming, and the waking world. The poem takes the reader on a surreal journey, blending personal experience with universal themes of mortality, heritage, and the search for meaning. The tone is initially dreamlike and ethereal, shifting to a more contemplative and somber mood as the speaker grapples with the nature of existence and the weight of his ancestry. The poem is rich in imagery and symbolism, creating a captivating and thought-provoking experience for the reader.

Inheritance and the Burden of the Past

One of the central themes in "I Fellowed Sleep" is the burden of inheritance and the connection to one's ancestors. The repeated references to "my fathers'" suggest a lineage that weighs heavily on the speaker. Lines like "My fathers' globe knocks on its nave and sings" and "This that we tread was, too, your father's land" emphasize the inescapable link to the past. This connection isn't necessarily positive; the image of "old, mad man still climbing in his ghost,/ My fathers' ghost is climbing in the rain" hints at a troubled family history that the speaker is attempting to understand and perhaps transcend. The poem implies that the speaker's identity is inextricably linked to his ancestors' experiences, and he must confront this legacy to find his own path.

Dreams and the Exploration of Reality

The poem intricately weaves the themes of sleep, dreams, and the search for a deeper reality. The opening line, "I fellowed sleep who kissed me in the brain," immediately establishes sleep as a character, a force that actively engages with the speaker's consciousness. Dreams become a realm where the speaker can escape the limitations of the physical world, traveling to "a second ground far from the stars." This dreamscape is not necessarily idyllic, however; it is a place where he weeps with a "ghostly other." This suggests that dreams can be a space for confronting difficult emotions and grappling with existential questions. The poem questions the nature of reality itself, blurring the lines between the waking world and the world of dreams. Is one more "real" than the other? Thomas leaves this open to interpretation.

The Fleeting Nature of Existence

The theme of mortality and the fleeting nature of existence is powerfully conveyed through vivid imagery and symbolic language. The "angels" who "fade" when breathed upon and the "dreaming fellows" who are "blown…to their bed" highlight the ephemeral quality of life and consciousness. The image of the "cloud coast to each grave-grabbing shade" evokes a sense of impermanence and the ever-present threat of death. The "matter of the living air" giving voice further suggests that even the most seemingly solid aspects of reality are transient. This theme is amplified by the recurring motif of ghosts and shadows, which represent the lingering presence of the past and the inevitable dissolution of the self.

Symbolic Ladder and Climbs to the Sun

Several recurring symbols and vivid images enhance the poem's message. The "hours' ladder to the sun" is a particularly potent image. This ladder, "each rung a love or losing to the last," symbolizes the journey of life, with its alternating moments of joy and sorrow. The image of "the inches monkeyed by the blood of man" suggests the slow, arduous, and perhaps even primal struggle inherent in human existence. The sun, a universal symbol of enlightenment and life, represents the ultimate goal or destination of this journey. It is worth pondering whether Thomas views this "climb" as inherently futile, or whether the journey itself contains value.

A Poetic Conclusion

In conclusion, "I Fellowed Sleep" is a complex and rewarding poem that invites multiple interpretations. Through its rich imagery, symbolic language, and exploration of profound themes, Thomas creates a haunting and unforgettable experience for the reader. The poem delves into the intricacies of human existence, exploring the burden of the past, the elusive nature of reality, and the inevitability of mortality. Ultimately, "I Fellowed Sleep" is a testament to the power of language to capture the complexities of the human condition and to provoke profound reflection on the nature of being.