Poem Analysis - Prologue

Dylan Thomas's "Prologue" is a vibrant and powerful invocation, a poetic call to attention before the onset of a metaphorical flood. The poem bursts with dense imagery and celebrates the natural world of Wales while acknowledging the looming darkness and potential destruction. Its tone is initially celebratory and energetic, shifting to a more urgent and prophetic mode as the poem progresses. The work feels like a personal manifesto, a declaration of the poet's purpose to preserve and celebrate his homeland through his art.

The Preservation of Welsh Identity Through Art

A central theme of "Prologue" is the preservation of Welsh identity and heritage through artistic creation. Thomas positions himself as a kind of Noah, building an "ark" (his poem) to save the essence of Wales from an impending "flood" of darkness and potential cultural erasure. He explicitly states, "I build my bellowing ark / To the best of my love / As the flood begins," indicating a conscious effort to safeguard his homeland through his words. The poem is replete with Welsh place names, flora, and fauna, all contributing to a rich tapestry of Welsh culture. The act of singing and writing itself becomes an act of resistance against oblivion.

Nature's Untamed Power

The poem revels in the raw, untamed power of nature, which is presented as both a source of beauty and a potential force of destruction. Images of the sea, the sun, and the land are rendered with intense energy: "torrent salmon sun," "seashaken house," "breakneck of rocks." This powerful imagery does not suggest a peaceful harmonious environment but rather a force ready to unleash at any point. The "flood" itself can be interpreted as nature's destructive potential, highlighting the vulnerability of human creations and cultures in the face of nature's strength. The description of animals and the landscape are abundant and represent the wild and untamed aspect of the natural world.

The Poet as Voice for the Voiceless

Thomas repeatedly casts himself as the voice for the voiceless, the intermediary between the natural world and the human audience. He is a "spining man," weaving words to connect the disparate elements of his environment. By directly addressing "you strangers," he invites the reader to witness and understand the beauty and vulnerability of Wales. His language seeks to give voice to all of nature: the "shells / That speak seven seas," the "swan, splay sounds," the "king singsong owls." He seeks to give them a voice, to trumpet their existence to anyone willing to listen. This act of giving voice is especially important as a means of preserving that which is around him.

Symbolism of the Ark

The "ark" is a central symbol in the poem. It represents not just the poem itself, but also the act of creation, preservation, and the hope for survival. The ark contains a multitude of creatures, "pelt, and scale, and fleece," symbolizing the diversity of life and culture that Thomas seeks to protect. The construction of the ark is a passionate act, fueled by "fear, rage read, manalive," suggesting that the creative process is both an urgent response to impending doom and a celebration of human existence. The ark is a vessel to ride the flood, a symbol of a journey to a future for the people and culture of Wales.

Conclusion: A Prophetic Celebration

"Prologue" is a powerful and complex poem that serves as a declaration of poetic intent and a celebration of Welsh identity. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, Dylan Thomas creates a sense of urgency and invites the reader to witness the beauty and vulnerability of his homeland. The poem suggests that art has the power to preserve and protect culture in the face of destruction. It serves as a beacon to save the world and culture of Wales. The poem ends with a surge of hope, seeing the 'ark sing in the sun,' it provides a sense of the endurance of culture and art. "Prologue" remains a testament to the enduring power of language to shape our understanding of the world and our place within it, a call to see the value of culture before it is lost.