There Was A Saviour by Dylan Thomas
This poem was published in 1946 in the collection ’Deaths and Entrances’.
Amount of stanzas: 5
Closest meter: iambic tetrameter
Сlosest stanza type: Sonnet
Amount of lines: 40
There was a saviour
Rarer than radium,
Commoner than water, crueller than truth;
Children kept from the sun
Assembled at his tongue
To hear the golden note turn in a groove,
Prisoners of wishes locked their eyes
In the jails and studies of his keyless smiles.
The voice of children says
From a lost wilderness
There was calm to be done in his safe unrest,
When hindering man hurt
Man, animal, or bird
We hid our fears in that murdering breath,
Silence, silence to do, when earth grew loud,
In lairs and asylums of the tremendous shout.
There was glory to hear
In the churches of his tears,
Under his downy arm you sighed as he struck,
O you who could not cry
On to the ground when a man died
Put a tear for joy in the unearthly flood
And laid your cheek against a cloud-formed shell:
Now in the dark there is only yourself and myself.
Two proud, blacked brothers cry,
Winter-locked side by side,
To this inhospitable hollow year,
O we who could not stir
One lean sigh when we heard
Greed on man beating near and fire neighbour
But wailed and nested in the sky-blue wall
Now break a giant tear for the little known fall,
For the drooping of homes
That did not nurse our bones,
Brave deaths of only ones but never found,
Now see, alone in us,
Our own true strangers' dust
Ride through the doors of our unentered house.
Exiled in us we arouse the soft,
Unclenched, armless, silk and rough love that breaks all rocks.
Difficult words:
Radium: A chemical element (symbol Ra) known for its radioactive properties.۔
Crueller: More cruel or harsh.
Lairs: A place where a wild animal, especially a fierce or dangerous one, lives.
Asylums: Places providing care and support for the mentally ill.
Hindering: Creating obstacles or difficulties; preventing progress.۔۔
Inhospitable: Unwelcoming, not offering a friendly environment.
Exiled: Removed forcibly from one's home country, often as a punishment.
Unclenched: Opened or relaxed, especially referring to a fist or a tightly closed hand.
Groove: A long, narrow cut or depression, especially one made to guide motion or
receive a corresponding ridge
Hind: The female of the deer.
Summary:
"There Was a Saviour" by Dylan Thomas describes an extraordinary figure, a savior, who is
depicted as more precious than radium, more common than water, and harsher than truth.
Children gather to listen to his golden words, prisoners of their wishes captivated by his keyless
smiles.
The poem suggests that this savior brought a sense of calm amid unrest, especially in times of
harm caused by humans to one another or to animals and birds. The speaker reflects on the
comforting power of the savior's presence, where fears could be hidden in the breath of his
silence.
The verses continue to emphasize the glory found in the churches of the savior's tears, and the
act of shedding tears is portrayed as a profound and emotional experience. However, as the
poem progresses, it takes a darker turn, exploring themes of death, loss, and the harsh realities
of life.
The speaker addresses the audience, urging them to put tears of joy into an unearthly flood and
to lay cheeks against cloud-formed shells. Yet, the tone shifts to a more somber note, lamenting
the fall of homes and the deaths of those not widely known or celebrated. The speaker mourns
the indifference to the suffering of others, contrasting it with the ability to shed tears for
personal joy.
The poem ends by evoking a sense of exile and the need to arouse a profound, unclenched love
that has the power to break all obstacles. It speaks to the human experience of both joy and
sorrow, celebrating the capacity for empathy and love that can overcome the challenges and
hardships of life.
Title: Critical Analysis of "There Was A Saviour" by Dylan Thomas
Dylan Thomas's poem "There Was A Saviour" delves into the intricate layers of human
experience, offering a nuanced exploration of themes like the enigmatic nature of salvation, the
impact of violence, and the transformative power of love.
"There was a saviour
Rarer than radium,
Commoner than water, crueller than truth;
Children kept from the sun"
In these lines, Thomas introduces the paradoxical nature of the savior, emphasizing his rarity
and commonality simultaneously. The comparison to radium and water sets an otherworldly
tone, suggesting that this savior is exceptional yet more accessible than the ordinary. The
cruelty hinted at may reflect the harsh realities that truth often brings. The image of children
kept from the sun adds a layer of innocence and vulnerability.
"Assembled at his tongue
To hear the golden note turn in a groove,
Prisoners of wishes locked their eyes
In the jails and studies of his keyless smiles."
Here, Thomas portrays the captivating power of the savior's words. The imagery of a "golden
note turn in a groove" implies a mesmerizing and repetitive charm. The idea of being prisoners
of wishes suggests a yearning for something unattainable, while "keyless smiles" hints at a
mysterious, inaccessible quality to the savior's demeanor.
"The voice of children says
From a lost wilderness
There was calm to be done in his safe unrest,"
These lines introduce the voice of children, emphasizing their perception of the savior. The
notion of a "lost wilderness" suggests a world in need of guidance and stability. The paradox of
"calm to be done in his safe unrest" highlights the savior's ability to bring peace amid turmoil.
"When hindering man hurt
Man, animal, or bird
We hid our fears in that murdering breath,
Silence, silence to do, when earth grew loud,"
Here, Thomas addresses the savior's response to human cruelty. The use of "murdering breath"
underscores the destructive impact of violence. The call for silence in the face of a loud earth
suggests a need for reflection and restraint when confronted with the harshness of the world.
"In lairs and asylums of the tremendous shout.
There was glory to hear
In the churches of his tears,
Under his downy arm you sighed as he struck,"
These lines explore the impact of the savior's tears, portraying them as a form of glory. The
imagery of "churches of his tears" suggests a sacred, transformative quality. The juxtaposition of
sighing and striking conveys a mix of emotions, highlighting the complex nature of the savior's
actions.
"O you who could not cry
On to the ground when a man died
Put a tear for joy in the unearthly flood
And laid your cheek against a cloud-formed shell:"
Thomas addresses those who couldn't express grief conventionally, suggesting that even in the
face of death, there is room for joy. The image of laying a cheek against a cloud-formed shell
conveys a sense of intimacy with the ethereal, blending sorrow and beauty.
"Now in the dark there is only yourself and myself.
Two proud, blacked brothers cry,
Winter-locked side by side,
To this inhospitable hollow year,"
The poem takes a somber turn as it confronts the darkness within. The "proud, blacked
brothers" evoke a sense of shared suffering and solidarity. The winter-locking and inhospitable
hollow year paint a bleak picture of a harsh and unforgiving environment.
"O we who could not stir
One lean sigh when we heard
Greed on man beating near and fire neighbour
But wailed and nested in the sky-blue wall"
Thomas criticizes the inaction of those who couldn't react appropriately to human greed and
violence. The contrast between the inability to stir and the wailing and nesting in the sky-blue
wall highlights a disconnect from the harsh realities of the world.
"Now break a giant tear for the little known fall,
For the drooping of homes
That did not nurse our bones,
Brave deaths of only ones but never found,
Here, Thomas urges a collective response to the unnoticed tragedies, such as the fall of homes
and the brave but unrecognized deaths. The plea for a "giant tear" emphasizes the enormity of
the sorrow and the need for acknowledgment.
"Now see, alone in us,
Our own true strangers' dust
Ride through the doors of our unentered house.
Exiled in us we arouse the soft,"
Thomas reflects on the internal exile of emotions, suggesting a disconnect from the suffering of
others. The image of "strangers' dust" emphasizes the universal nature of shared humanity. The
notion of arousing the soft within suggests the potential for empathy and compassion within
ourselves.:
"Unclenched, armless, silk and rough love that breaks all rocks."
The poem concludes with a hopeful note, describing a transformative love capable of breaking
all barriers. The imagery of "unclenched, armless, silk and rough love" suggests a love that is
gentle yet powerful, embodying the ability to overcome even the most formidable obstacles.
In summary, Dylan Thomas's "There Was A Saviour" is a thought-provoking exploration of
human nature, violence, and the redemptive power of love. Through vivid imagery and
paradoxical expressions, the poem invites readers to critically engage with the complexities of
the human experience and reflect on our capacity for empathy and transformation.
Themes:
1. Elusiveness of Salvation:
The poem explores the idea of a rare and elusive saviour, someone more precious than radium,
yet common like water. This saviour remains somewhat enigmatic, emphasizing the difficulty in
finding salvation or comfort in troubled times.
2. Cruelty of Truth:
The poem suggests that truth can be harsh and cruel. The saviour is described as "crueller than
truth," highlighting the harsh realities people face. This theme delves into the challenging
aspects of life and the difficult truths one must confront.
3. Power of Words:
The saviour's voice holds a significant place in the poem, as children gather to hear the "golden
note." Words have the power to imprison or set free, as reflected in phrases like "keyless
smiles" and "jails and studies." This theme underscores the impact of language on perception
and understanding.
4. Silence as a Response:
The poem introduces the idea of responding to overwhelming situations with silence. In the
face of a tumultuous world, silence becomes a powerful tool for contemplation and
introspection. It suggests that sometimes, silence is the appropriate response when confronted
with the chaos of life.
5. The Paradox of Joyful Tears:
The poet explores the paradox of shedding tears of joy in the face of death. This juxtaposition
challenges conventional expectations and suggests that even in sorrowful moments, there can
be a strange beauty or celebration.
6. Human Connection and Empathy:
The poem touches on the interconnectedness of humanity, particularly in times of suffering. It
acknowledges the shared experience of pain and the need for empathy. The mention of "Two
proud, blacked brothers cry" signifies a collective sorrow that transcends individual boundaries.
7. Transformation and Love:
The final lines of the poem express a transformative power within us, as we break "a giant tear
for the little known fall." This suggests the potential for personal growth and the healing power
of love, even in the face of tragedy and loss.
Stylistic Analysis of "There Was A Saviour" by Dylan Thomas:
1. Imagery and Symbolism:
- Thomas employs vivid imagery to convey complex emotions and ideas. For example, the
comparison of the saviour to elements like radium and water suggests the rarity and essential
nature of this figure.
- The use of "golden note" and "keyless smiles" creates a rich tapestry of visual and auditory
images, invoking a sense of mystery and transcendence.
2. Metaphor and Allusion:
- The poem is rich in metaphor, portraying the saviour as a source of both solace and cruelty.
The comparison of the saviour's voice to a "golden note" and the subsequent reference to "jails
and studies" alludes to the power and influence he holds over people's lives.
- The references to churches, tears, and an "unearthly flood" suggest a religious or spiritual
dimension, adding depth to the exploration of human experiences.
3. Contrast and Paradox:
- Thomas skillfully employs contrasts and paradoxes to highlight the complexities of human
emotions and relationships. The saviour is both common and rare, calm and unrestful, bringing
out the duality inherent in life.
- The juxtaposition of "tear for joy" and "murdering breath" creates a stark contrast,
emphasizing the paradoxical nature of human existence.
4. Repetition:
- The repetition of words like "silence" and "cry" reinforces their significance in the poem,
drawing attention to the themes of restraint, unexpressed emotions, and the impact of violence
on humanity.
- The repetition of the pronouns "yourself and myself" in the closing lines underscores the
isolation and self-reflection experienced by individuals.
5. Enjambment and Sound Devices:
- The poem's use of enjambment contributes to the flowing and interconnected nature of the
verses, enhancing the sense of continuity and the cyclical nature of life and death.
- Sound devices, such as alliteration in "crueller than truth" and internal rhyme in "churches
of his tears," add musicality to the poem, making it aurally engaging.
6. Shift in Tone:
- The poem undergoes a notable shift in tone from the reverence for the saviour to a more
somber reflection on human suffering and the inevitability of death. This tonal shift adds layers
of complexity and emotional depth to the work.
In conclusion, Dylan Thomas employs a rich array of stylistic elements in "There Was A Saviour"
to explore themes of human nature, spirituality, and the intricate interplay of joy and sorrow in
the face of mortality. The poem's complexity invites readers to delve into its layers of meaning
and appreciate the beauty of its language.
Questions:
1. Who are the prisoners mentioned in the poem, and how does the savior impact them?
- Answer: The prisoners in the poem symbolize individuals trapped in their wishes and fears.
The savior, through his keyless smiles and golden notes, becomes a liberating force, unlocking
the metaphorical jails and studies where these wishes are confined. His influence brings a sense
of freedom and release to those held captive by their desires and apprehensions.
2. What is the significance of the churches of the savior's tears in the poem?
- Answer: The churches of the savior's tears represent places of profound emotion and
spirituality. The tears signify a deep and genuine connection to the pain and suffering in the
world. By acknowledging the glory in these tears, the poem suggests that there is a sacred
aspect to the savior's emotional response, turning moments of sorrow into something divine
and meaningful.
3. How does the concept of exile play a role in the poem, and what is its impact on the
speaker?
- Answer: The poem explores the idea of exile as an internal state within the speaker. The
mention of "exiled in us" suggests a sense of alienation and separation. This self-imposed exile
awakens a powerful and transformative love within the speaker, described as "soft, unclenched,
armless, silk and rough." This love, breaking through all barriers, becomes a force capable of
overcoming challenges and obstacles, ultimately bringing a sense of unity and reconciliation.
MCQs.
1. What does the "golden note" represent in the poem?
A. A precious metal
B. The savior's powerful words
C. Children's laughter
D. Sunlight
Correct Answer: B. The savior's powerful words
2. What emotion does the savior's silence evoke in the poem?
A. Fear
B. Calmness
C. Joy
D. Sadness
Correct Answer: B. Calmness
3. What is the main theme of the poem "There Was A Saviour" by Dylan Thomas?
A. Love and romance
B. Nature and beauty
C. Death and mourning
D. Adventure and exploration
Correct Answer: C. Death and mourning
4. What does the speaker ask the readers to do in the last stanza of the poem?
A. Cry for joy
B. Break a giant tear
C. Laugh uncontrollably
D. Remain silent
Correct Answer: B. Break a giant tear
5. What does the phrase "Winter-locked side by side" suggest in the poem?
A. Literal winter conditions
B. A metaphor for difficult times
C. Symbolic brotherhood
D. A celebration of the season
Correct Answer: B. A metaphor for difficult times
6. Who were the listeners assembled at the savior's tongue?
A. Elders
B. Children
C. Animals
D. Ghosts
Correct Answer: B. Children
7. What did prisoners of wishes do in response to the savior's keyless smiles?
A. Flee
B. Cry
C. Lock their eyes
D. Laugh
Correct Answer: C. Lock their eyes
8. What is the dominant emotion expressed by the brothers in the poem?
A. Joy
B. Sorrow
C. Anger
D. Indifference
Correct Answer: B. Sorrow
9. What does the speaker suggest about the savior's tears in the churches?
A. They are empty
B. They are joyful
C. They are glorious
D. They are unheard
Correct Answer: C. They are glorious
10. What is the response of the people when man hurt man, animal, or bird?
A. Celebrate
B. Hide fears in the savior's breath
C. Ignore
D. Flee
Correct Answer: B. Hide fears in the savior's breath
