Poem Analysis - Then Was My Neophyte

A Baptism of Self: Introduction to "Then Was My Neophyte"

Dylan Thomas's "Then Was My Neophyte" is a densely layered poem exploring themes of birth, death, time, and the self. The poem presents a complex and often disorienting journey through the speaker's internal landscape. The tone is initially mystical and evocative, shifting to one of anxiety and confrontation with mortality. Throughout, the poem is rich in surreal and symbolic imagery, creating a powerful sense of both wonder and unease.

The Sea of Existence: Theme of Birth and Rebirth

One of the central themes in "Then Was My Neophyte" is the cyclical nature of birth and rebirth. The "neophyte," or newborn convert, is submerged "under the bell of rocks" and "in the twelve, disciple seas," an imagery that suggests a baptism or initiation into life. The "sea hermaphrodite" and "snail of man" further emphasize this theme, representing the speaker's nascent self emerging from a primordial, watery existence. The poem presents a world where the boundaries between life and death are fluid, and where the individual is constantly being reshaped by the forces of time and experience. The reference to "green" throughout the poem evokes nature, freshness, and youthful vitality.

Time's Relentless Murders: Theme of Mortality

The poem grapples intensely with the theme of mortality and the destructive power of time. Phrases like "His horrible desires" and "the bitten decks" hint at the harsh realities and suffering inherent in existence. The lines "Time kills me terribly" and "I saw time murder me" express a deep-seated fear of the inevitable decay and loss that time brings. However, there's also a counter-narrative of resilience, as seen in the line "Time shall not murder you." This contradiction creates a tension within the poem, suggesting that while time may be destructive, there's also a part of the self that transcends its grasp.

Mirrors of Self: Image and Symbol Analysis

The poem is saturated with powerful imagery and recurring symbols. Water, in its various forms, serves as a symbol of both life and death, representing the source of creation and the inevitable return to nothingness. The color green recurs, symbolizing new beginnings, life, but also perhaps envy or sickness. The "grail," usually a symbol of holy quest and spiritual purity, is seen "through veil and fin and fire and coil," suggesting that the search for meaning is obscured by the complexities of the world. The "reels and mystery" and "clockwise scene" suggests that our lives are part of grand cosmic "film", and we can't control the direction of it.

A Final Dive: Conclusion

"Then Was My Neophyte" is a challenging but ultimately rewarding poem that explores the fundamental questions of existence. Through its dense imagery and evocative language, the poem delves into the complexities of birth, death, and the human condition. The poem's enduring power lies in its ability to capture the tension between the individual's desire for meaning and the overwhelming forces of time and mortality, leaving the reader to ponder the nature of self and the enduring mystery of life itself. The ending, however, suggests a degree of hope, a sense that something persists beyond the destructive reach of time, even as it acknowledges time's crushing impact.