Poem Analysis - Should Lanterns Shine

Introduction: A Skeptical Gaze at Illusions

Dylan Thomas's "Should Lanterns Shine" is a complex meditation on the dangers of illusion and the futility of prescribed wisdom. The poem begins with a cynical view of idealized beauty, suggesting that harsh reality would quickly dismantle any perceived perfection. This cynicism extends to the accepted pathways to knowledge, arguing that both reason and instinct fail to provide genuine guidance. The tone shifts from a sardonic observation to a desperate attempt to transcend time and limitations, ultimately ending with a lingering sense of disillusionment and unresolved longing.

Theme of Deconstructed Beauty: Unveiling the Imperfect

One of the central themes is the deconstruction of idealized beauty and the exposure of its inherent fragility. The opening lines paint a vivid picture of a "holy face" that would "wither up" under the harsh glare of "unaccustomed light." This imagery suggests that idealized images, particularly those associated with love and purity, are inherently false, dependent on carefully controlled circumstances. The "mummy cloths" and "ancient breast" further emphasize the poem's concern with the passage of time and the inevitable decay of physical beauty. The act of exposing this "holy face" is also a metaphorical act of removing the filters and assumptions to expose a deeper, less palatable truth.

The Futility of Reason and Instinct: A Search for Truth

The poem directly confronts the limitations of both reason and instinct as reliable guides to navigate life. Thomas declares, "I have been told to reason by the heart, / But heart, like head, leads helplessly." This statement encapsulates a deep skepticism towards traditional wisdom and the prescribed methods of achieving understanding. He then explores the alternative of following his "pulse," suggesting that instinct might offer a more authentic path. However, the imagery of moving so fast as to "defy time" implies that this frantic pursuit is ultimately unsustainable and perhaps even delusional. This frantic pace contrasts sharply with "the quiet gentleman/Whose beard wags in Egyptian wind" suggesting the futility of trying to outrun the inevitable effects of time and death.

Symbolism of Light and Time: Illuminating Decay

Light and time function as recurring symbols within the poem, contributing to its overall message of disillusionment. The "lanterns" and "false day" represent artificial illumination, which, instead of revealing truth, only serves to expose the imperfections and decay hidden beneath carefully constructed facades. The poem's use of Egyptian imagery evokes a sense of ancientness, mortality, and the relentless passage of time. "The quiet gentleman/Whose beard wags in Egyptian wind" symbolizes time's indifferent march forward. The final image of the ball "not yet reached the ground" is perhaps the most striking symbol, it represents a yearning for permanence and a resistance to the relentless pull of time, but also may symbolize the unfulfilled expectations that time creates.

Concluding Thoughts: Unresolved Yearning

"Should Lanterns Shine" is a powerful exploration of the disillusionment that arises when confronting the realities of aging, decay, and the limitations of human understanding. The poem exposes the fragility of idealized beauty, questions the validity of prescribed wisdom, and grapples with the relentless passage of time. Ultimately, the poem leaves the reader with a sense of unresolved yearning and a poignant awareness of the gap between idealized hopes and the harsh realities of existence. The final image lingers in the mind, questioning whether there is a way to transcend these limitations, or if humanity is forever bound to the cycles of decay and disillusionment.