Poem Analysis - Into Her Lying Down Head

An Erotic Nightmare: Overview of Dylan Thomas's "Into Her Lying Down Head"

Dylan Thomas's "Into Her Lying Down Head" is a complex and unsettling exploration of intimacy, betrayal, and the violation of innocence. The poem plunges the reader into a dreamscape where sexuality is both powerful and destructive. The tone is intensely passionate and often violent, oscillating between moments of lyrical beauty and nightmarish horror. This poem depicts a woman's sleeping mind as a battleground, a space invaded by unwanted desires and ancestral echoes.

Sexuality and Violation: A Central Theme

One of the poem's central themes is the fraught relationship between sexuality and violation. The opening section immediately establishes this, portraying the woman's sleeping head as a place where "enemies entered bed." This isn't a peaceful slumber, but an invasion. The imagery of "a raping wave" and "whales unreined from the green grave" suggests a primal, uncontrollable force, while figures like "Jaun aflame and savagely young King Lear" further emphasize the destructive potential of unchecked desire. The poem suggests that even within intimacy, there can be an element of force and unwanted penetration. The juxtaposition of "innocence" with these violent images highlights the theme of violated purity.

The Weight of History and Ancestral Sins

Another significant theme is the burden of history and ancestral sins. The presence of "Noah's rekindled now unkind dove" introduces a biblical reference, hinting at a legacy of betrayal and failed promises. The parade of historical and mythical figures—King Lear, Queen Catherine, Samson—suggests that the woman's experience is not isolated, but part of a larger, recurring pattern of exploitation and suffering. These figures are not merely symbolic of individual failures; they represent the collective weight of human history, particularly the history of male domination and female subjugation. This theme extends to the poem's final stanza, which speaks of "forgotten dark" and "the enemies from the deep," implying that past traumas continue to haunt the present.

Isolation and the Loss of Self

The poem also grapples with the theme of isolation and the loss of self within intimate relationships. Despite the presence of others, the woman remains fundamentally alone. Even in moments of apparent connection, she is described as "sleep-walking," disconnected from her own experiences. The imagery of the "naked shadow" and the "stone lies lost and locked" reinforces this sense of isolation. The final lines, where she lies "innocent between two wars," emphasize her vulnerability and the constant threat of external forces that seek to define and control her. The phrase "faithless sleep" suggests a deep distrust and a sense of betrayal that further isolates her within the confines of her own mind and body.

Recurring Symbols and the Power of Imagery

Several recurring symbols contribute to the poem's overall message. Water, in its various forms (waves, fountains, the sea), represents both life and destruction, creation and chaos. The "dark blade" is a potent symbol of violence and penetration, while the "haycock couch" and the "acorned sand" evoke images of both fertility and vulnerability. The constant juxtaposition of light and darkness creates a sense of tension and uncertainty. The image of the "incestuous secret brother" is particularly unsettling, suggesting a blurring of boundaries and a perversion of natural relationships. Is this figure a representation of the woman's own inner turmoil, or does it symbolize the inescapable influence of family history and societal expectations?

Final Thoughts: The Enduring Power of Intimacy's Dark Side

In conclusion, "Into Her Lying Down Head" is a disturbing yet compelling exploration of the darker aspects of intimacy. Through its vivid imagery, unsettling tone, and recurring symbols, the poem delves into themes of violation, historical burden, and isolation. It challenges us to confront the uncomfortable realities of desire, power, and the ways in which even our most intimate experiences can be shaped by forces beyond our control. The poem's enduring power lies in its ability to evoke a sense of unease and to question the very nature of love and connection. It leaves the reader with a lingering sense of the fragility of innocence and the ever-present threat of betrayal.