Poem Analysis - Now

A Defiant Cry Against Submission

Dylan Thomas's "Now" is a poem of resistance, a stark and repetitive refusal to yield to despair or death. The poem pulses with a fierce energy, initially sounding almost angry in its insistence on negation. However, as the poem progresses, a sense of mystical defiance emerges, suggesting a deeper, perhaps even spiritual, rejection of life's inevitable downturns. The repeated "Now Say nay" acts as a rallying cry, urging the reader to stand firm against forces that seek to diminish or destroy.

Denying the End: Theme of Mortality

The theme of mortality is central to "Now." The poem grapples with the inevitability of death and decay but ultimately chooses to confront it with a resounding "nay." References to "deadrock base," "death to the yes," and "tapped ghost in wood" paint a picture of somber acceptance but are immediately countered by the insistent rejection. Thomas seems to be suggesting that while death is a reality, succumbing to its power is a choice. The poem highlights the struggle between acceptance and resistance, with resistance taking center stage.

The Power of Refusal: Theme of Defiance

Defiance is the driving force behind "Now." The poem builds its meaning upon the adamant refusal to accept fate. The repetition of "Say nay" becomes an almost incantatory expression of resistance. The "hardiness of anger," mentioned in the first stanza, encapsulates this spirit. It's not a passive acceptance of circumstances but an active, even aggressive, rejection of forces that seek to diminish the human spirit. The speaker is urging action, no matter how futile it might seem, against the encroaching darkness.

Imagery of Decay and Renewal: Symbolism

The poem uses stark imagery to underscore its themes. The "deadrock base" and "landed crow" evoke a sense of barrenness and impending doom. However, images of renewal and vitality also appear, such as "the flowered anchor" and "the sun that leaps on petals." The contrast between these images creates a dynamic tension, highlighting the struggle between life and death, hope and despair. The symbol of "fire," appearing as "the seal of fire" and "the cockrel's tide upcasting from the fire," could represent both destruction and purification, adding a layer of complexity to the poem's message. The poem seems to suggesting that within destruction, there is a possibility of rebirth if we say "nay".

Concluding Thoughts

"Now" is a powerful and enigmatic poem that celebrates the spirit of resistance in the face of mortality. Through its insistent repetition, vivid imagery, and contrasting symbols, Dylan Thomas crafts a complex exploration of life's inevitable challenges. The poem's true strength lies in its unyielding refusal to surrender, offering a fierce and defiant call to stand against the forces that threaten to extinguish the light. The repeated "Say nay" isn't just a negation; it's an affirmation of the human will to endure and perhaps even transcend the limitations of existence. Is the poem's focus on defiance ultimately a form of acceptance, a way of making peace with the inevitable through a show of strength?