Dylan Thomas
Full Name and Common Aliases
Dylan Marlais Thomas, often simply known as Dylan Thomas, was a Welsh poet and writer whose works have left an indelible mark on the literary world. Despite his relatively short life, Thomas's lyrical and emotive poetry has earned him a place among the most celebrated poets of the 20th century.
Birth and Death Dates
Dylan Thomas was born on October 27, 1914, in Swansea, Wales, and he passed away on November 9, 1953, in New York City, USA. His life, though brief, was marked by a prolific output of poetry and prose that continues to resonate with readers and writers alike.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Thomas was Welsh by nationality, and he is best known as a poet and writer. His work spans various forms, including poetry, short stories, and radio broadcasts, showcasing his versatility and command of the English language.
Early Life and Background
Dylan Thomas was born into a literary family; his father, David John Thomas, was an English teacher who instilled in him a love for literature and language from an early age. Growing up in the coastal town of Swansea, Thomas was surrounded by the natural beauty of Wales, which would later influence his writing. He attended Swansea Grammar School, where he began writing poetry, and by the age of 16, he had already published his first poem in the school's magazine.
Thomas's early exposure to literature and his father's encouragement played a crucial role in shaping his poetic voice. Despite his academic struggles, he was determined to pursue a career in writing, and he left school at 16 to work as a junior reporter for the South Wales Daily Post. This experience honed his skills in observation and storytelling, which would become hallmarks of his later work.
Major Accomplishments
Dylan Thomas's major accomplishments are rooted in his ability to craft vivid, emotive poetry that captures the human experience. His first collection, "18 Poems," published in 1934, received critical acclaim and established him as a promising young poet. This was followed by several other collections, including "Twenty-Five Poems" (1936) and "Deaths and Entrances" (1946), which solidified his reputation as a leading figure in modern poetry.
In addition to his poetry, Thomas was a skilled prose writer. His collection of short stories, "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog" (1940), offers a semi-autobiographical glimpse into his early life in Wales. His radio play, "Under Milk Wood," first broadcast in 1954, is considered one of his masterpieces, showcasing his talent for creating rich, character-driven narratives.
Notable Works or Actions
Among Thomas's most notable works is the poem "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night," a villanelle that explores themes of resistance and defiance in the face of death. This poem, written for his dying father, is one of his most quoted and celebrated pieces, exemplifying his mastery of form and emotional depth.
Another significant work is "Fern Hill," a nostalgic reflection on childhood and the passage of time. Thomas's ability to evoke the beauty and transience of life is evident in this poem, which remains a favorite among readers and scholars.
Impact and Legacy
Dylan Thomas's impact on literature is profound. His innovative use of language, rhythm, and imagery has influenced countless poets and writers. His work is characterized by its musicality and emotional intensity, qualities that have made his poetry enduringly popular.
Thomas's legacy extends beyond his written work. His charismatic personality and tumultuous personal life have contributed to his mythic status in literary circles. Despite struggles with alcoholism and financial instability, he remained committed to his craft, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and challenge readers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Dylan Thomas is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to capture the complexities of human emotion and experience in his writing. His poems, with their rich imagery and lyrical quality, resonate with readers on a deeply personal level. The universal themes of love, death, and the passage of time in his work ensure its continued relevance and appeal.
Thomas's memorable phrases and poignant insights have made his quotes a staple in discussions of literature and life. His ability to articulate the ineffable aspects of existence with clarity and beauty is why he remains a beloved and quoted figure in the world of poetry.
Quotes by Dylan Thomas
Dylan Thomas's insights on:
As I read more and more - and it was not all verse, by any means - my love for the real life of words increased until I knew that I must live with them and in them, always. I knew, in fact, that I must be a writer of words, and nothing else.
No honest writer today can possibly avoid being influenced by Freud through his pioneering work into the Unconscious and by the influence of those discoveries on the scientific, philosophic, and artistic work of his contemporaries: but not, by any means, necessarily through Freud's own writing.
I have never sat down and studied the Bible, never consciously echoed its language, and am, in reality, as ignorant of it as most brought-up Christians. All of the Bible that I use in my work is remembered from childhood and is the common property of all who were brought up in English-speaking communities.
Every device there is in language is there to be used, if you will. Poets have got to enjoy themselves sometimes, and the twistings and convolutions of words, the inventions and contrivances, are all part of the joy that is part of the painful, voluntary work.
The first poems I knew were nursery rhymes, and before I could read them for myself, I had come to love just the words of them, the words alone.
Speak, then, o body, shout aloud, And break my only mind from chains To go where ploughing’s ended.
This is the world: the lying likeness of Our strips of stuff that tatter as we move Loving and being loth; The dream that kicks the buried from their sack And lets their trash be honoured as the quick. This is the world. Have faith.
To surrender now is to pay the expensive ogre twice. Ancient woods of my blood, dash down to the nut of the seas if I take to burn or return this world which is each man’s work.