Poem Analysis - How Shall My Animal

Introduction: A Lament for Lost Instinct

Dylan Thomas's "How Shall My Animal" is a powerful and unsettling exploration of the conflict between raw, primal instinct and the constricting forces of reason, societal expectations, and ultimately, mortality. The poem is steeped in a tone of lament, questioning how the untamed, vital spirit can survive within the confines of the human condition. This lament transforms into a mournful acceptance as the poem progresses, acknowledging the inevitable subjugation of this animalistic force. The mood shifts from frustrated inquiry to resigned sorrow, painting a vivid picture of a spirit being systematically subdued and extinguished. The poem is a raw, visceral cry against the taming of the wild within.

The Duality of Primal Instinct and Restraint: The Poem's Core

One of the central themes is the inherent conflict between the untamed, primal instinct – the “animal” – and the restraints imposed by civilization and the inevitability of death. The animal is presented as a source of raw energy, described as “furious, drunk as a vineyard snail, flailed like an octopus.” This imagery emphasizes its uninhibited nature, its capacity for both joy and rage, and its connection to the natural world. However, this vitality is constantly threatened by forces that seek to suppress it, like the "spelling wall," symbolizing the restrictive power of language and intellect, which is "at the cap of the face." The tension between these opposing forces drives the poem's emotional core, illustrating a battle for dominance within the self.

Mortality's Shadow: A Looming Presence

The theme of mortality permeates the poem, casting a dark shadow over the animal's existence. The initial question, "How shall my animal...Endure burial," immediately introduces the inevitability of death and decay. Images of "abscesses" and the "cavernous skull" further reinforce the fragility and impermanence of the physical body. The poem depicts the animal as being slowly consumed by the forces of mortality, its energy and vitality gradually extinguished. Phrases like "Die in red feathers when the flying heaven's cut" and "Lie dry, rest robbed, my beast" underscore the finality of death and the loss of the animal's untamed spirit.

The Subjugation of Vitality: An Animal's End

The image of the animal itself functions as a complex symbol representing the raw, untamed aspects of human nature. It embodies instinct, passion, and a connection to the natural world. The act of tracing its "wizard shape in the cavernous skull" suggests an attempt to understand and connect with these primal forces. The poem is filled with vivid images such as "the lionhead's heel and horseshoe of the heart" as well as "Fishermen of mermen", each adding to the symbolic understanding of this animal that is both internal and external. The poem tracks the journey of this animal, showing it as it rises but is then eventually taken down. The ultimate sacrifice is described in the last stanza when the speaker says "And dug your grave in my breast." This shows the animal has not been extinguished but has instead become a part of the speaker; a solemn reminder of the primal self lost.

A Final Note: The Significance of Inner Conflict

In conclusion, "How Shall My Animal" is a poignant exploration of the struggle between the untamed, instinctive self and the forces of reason, societal constraints, and mortality. Through vivid imagery and a shifting tone, Thomas creates a powerful lament for the loss of primal vitality. The poem's significance lies in its recognition of this inner conflict and its haunting portrayal of the price we pay for repressing our animalistic nature, leaving the reader to consider the delicate balance between civilization and instinct within themselves. Is there a way to accommodate for our animal, or is it doomed to be buried?