Poem Analysis - Why East Wind Chills

An Introduction to Mystery and Mortality

Dylan Thomas’s "Why East Wind Chills" is a poem steeped in mystery and a profound sense of existential questioning. The tone is initially inquisitive, almost childlike, reflecting the children's questions about the world. However, it gradually shifts to a more somber and resigned mood, acknowledging the limits of human understanding in the face of life's fundamental mysteries. The poem explores the interplay between innocence and experience, questioning and acceptance, ultimately suggesting that some answers remain elusive, locked away by time and the cycle of life and death.

The Silence of Answers: Themes of Knowledge and Ignorance

One of the primary themes in the poem is the unattainability of knowledge. The opening lines, "Why east wind chills and south wind cools/Shall not be known till windwell dries," immediately establish this sense of unknowability. The poem suggests that certain fundamental questions about the natural world and human existence simply lack definitive answers, at least within the realm of human comprehension. This theme extends beyond the physical world to encompass questions of morality and experience, as seen in the lines "Why silk is soft and the stone wounds/The child shall question all his days."

Another prominent theme is mortality and the passage of time. The poem frequently references the end of life, particularly through imagery of death and ghosts. The lines "Not till, from high and low, their dust/Sprinkles in children's eyes a long-last sleep" explicitly connect the quest for answers with the inevitability of death. Time is presented as a powerful force that both reveals and conceals, with the "stars" circling "Time upon time" and their wisdom only partially accessible until they "go out."

The poem also grapples with the theme of acceptance and resignation. Despite the unanswered questions and the looming presence of death, there is a sense of yielding to the unknown. The phrase "Be Content" echoes through the poem, suggesting an acceptance of the limitations of human understanding. This acceptance is not necessarily joyful, but rather a quiet recognition of the vastness of the universe and the smallness of individual human knowledge.

Unpacking Frost, Dust and Stars: Decoding Imagery

The poem is rich in symbolism, particularly in its use of natural elements. The "east wind" that "chills" can be interpreted as a symbol of adversity or the harsh realities of life. "Jack Frost" represents a personification of winter and death, embodying the cold, unfeeling nature of the universe. He is what the children are worried about, and what causes the fear of the unknown.

The image of "dust" sprinkling into "children's eyes" is particularly potent. It symbolizes the eventual end of life and the passing on of mortality to future generations. However, it can also represent a disturbing realization of the truth; the innocence of childhood is tainted by the reality of death. The line "ghostly comets over the raised fists" presents a striking image of the children’s defiance in the face of the unknowable, yet it implies this protest is futile as the answers remain elusive.

Stars are a recurring symbol representing knowledge and guidance, but also distance and the inaccessible. The stars offer "advice," but their messages are only partially understood. This implies that while some wisdom may be gleaned from the universe, ultimate truths remain hidden, obscured by the vastness of space and time.

A Final Echo: The Poem's Lingering Questions

In conclusion, "Why East Wind Chills" is a powerful exploration of the human condition, grappling with themes of knowledge, mortality, and acceptance. The poem moves from a childlike curiosity to a mature resignation, acknowledging the limitations of human understanding in the face of life's fundamental mysteries. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, Thomas creates a haunting and thought-provoking meditation on the nature of existence, leaving the reader with lingering questions about the universe and our place within it. Is the final "Be Content" an encouragement or a warning about the danger of searching for answers that are beyond our reach?