Poem in October by Dylan Thomas Questions and Answers

“Poem in October” is a beautiful poem written by the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. It was first published in 1945 and is a celebration of the poet’s 30th birthday, which he spent in the seaside town of Laugharne, Wales. The poem reflects on nature, the passage of time, and the poet’s connection with the world around him. Here are some questions and answers about the poem:

 

1. Explain the occasion of “Poem in October”.

Ans. Dylan Thomas was born on 27th October, 1914. But, this poem was composed by him on 27th October, 1944. It is therefore, clearly visible to us that it was his 30th birthday on occasion of which, he wrote this poem. But the poet’s focal aim behind writing this poem was to commemorate his present birthday At the same time, he was also aware that another one important year is slipped from his total span of life. So, his gayful birthday is a little bit tinged with a touch of pathos. The poet is instinctively aware that slowly but steadily he is carried by the earthly rule towards the edge of mortality.

2. What did the poet hear and see on his memorable birthday?

Ans. Waking up from sleep on his 30th birthday, the poet saw really something memorable in nature. He also heard some unique sounds. He thought that all these are specially made for him on that auspicious day. He heard the sound from the harbour and forest, the call of sea-gulls, sound of sailing boats etc. The call of heron and mussel attracted the attention of the poet too much. Then, he saw a lot of things. The cloudy sky, sudden rainfall was not able to go out of the poet’s sight. Truly speaking, the poet was really very happy, hearing and watching these sights and sounds as these added an extra significance to his birthday.

3. How is the poet reminded of his childhood?

Ans. While enjoying his 30th birthday, the poet was suddenly reminded of his childhood because such type of things were often seen by him in childhood. He thought it to be his second childhood. The river, sea, forest, birds of his childhood were calling him. In nature itself, he had found out his bygone days. He was enjoying the bliss of losing everything in nature. The change of weather gave a shock to the poet. That’s why he is tormented by the memory of bygone days. It reminded him what it was. He walked a long distance in the mean time towards the residence of heaven.

4. How did the poet feel at the shoulder of the hill?

Ans. The poet had a fine experience of spring and summer. When he reached the shoulder of the hill, he saw countless skylarks in a rolling cloud and heard the whistling of the blackbirds by the road side bushes. At this, the poet was reminded the season of Spring. But the sun of October gave the poet both Spring like and Summer like experience. To the poet’s thought, all these were special gifts on his birthday.

5. What is the central theme of “Poem in October”?

Ans. The central theme of the poem is the passage of time and the poet’s reflections on his own mortality. It explores the emotions and memories associated with the poet’s thirtieth birthday and the sense of nostalgia and change that comes with it.

6. How does the poet describe the natural landscape in the poem?

Ans. In the poem, the natural landscape is depicted as tranquil and serene. The poet uses vivid imagery to describe the beauty of nature in October, where he walks along the shore, through the woods, and up the hill, observing the changing colors of autumn and the stillness of the sea.

7. What does the poet mean by “the thirtieth year to heaven“?

Ans. The line “the thirtieth year to heaven” refers to the poet’s thirtieth birthday. It marks a significant milestone in his life, and he sees it as a step closer to the realm of heaven or the afterlife, contemplating his own mortality and the passing of time.

8. What is the significance of the poet’s encounter with the lambs?

Ans. The encounter with the lambs symbolizes innocence and youth, contrasting with the poet’s own aging and maturing process. It serves as a reminder of the cycle of life and death, and the transient nature of youth and beauty.

9. How does the poet feel about his past in the poem?

Ans. The poet feels a strong sense of nostalgia and fondness for his past in the poem. He reflects on his youth and memories of his childhood, portraying them as a treasure he wishes to keep close to his heart.

10. What is the significance of the “fire-balloon” in the poem?

Ans. The “fire-balloon” represents a symbol of transience and the fleeting nature of life. The poet sees the balloon rising and disappearing into the sky, much like life’s moments passing by quickly and being lost in the flow of time.

11. How does the poem explore the relationship between the poet and nature?

Ans. The poem depicts a profound connection between the poet and nature. The poet is deeply attuned to the natural world, finding solace and inspiration in its beauty. Nature acts as a source of reflection for the poet, helping him come to terms with his own mortality and the changes he is experiencing in life.

12. What emotions does the poem evoke in the reader?

Ans. “Poem in October” evokes a sense of nostalgia, introspection, and contemplation about life, mortality, and the passing of time. It also creates a feeling of tranquility and appreciation for the beauty of nature as the poet describes the serene landscape of October.

13. How does the poem end? What is its final message?

Ans. The poem ends with the poet returning to his home after the contemplative walk. He describes the rain starting to fall and the sounds of the town waking up. The final message is a realization of the poet’s connection to nature and the acceptance of the continuous cycle of life, where memories, experiences, and time flow like the rain and the river.

“Poem in October” is a poignant exploration of human emotions and the beauty of nature, providing readers with an opportunity to reflect on their own lives and the passage of time.

14. What does the phrase “harvest of a quiet eye” mean?

Ans. The phrase “harvest of a quiet eye” refers to the act of observing and appreciating the beauty of nature in a peaceful and contemplative manner. It suggests that the poet gains a bountiful harvest of joy and inspiration from simply observing the world around him with a calm and attentive gaze.

15. How does the poet perceive the passage of time?

Ans. The poet perceives the passage of time as a natural and inevitable process. He becomes aware of the continuous cycle of life and feels a sense of acceptance and contentment with the passing of the seasons.

16. What is the significance of the poet’s birthday in the poem?

Ans. The poem is a celebration of the poet’s 30th birthday. It marks a significant milestone in his life and serves as a moment of reflection on the past, present, and future. The poet contemplates his own mortality and the passing of time as he enters a new phase of his life.

17. How does Dylan Thomas use imagery in “Poem in October”?

Ans. Dylan Thomas uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to evoke a sense of the natural world’s beauty. He describes the “wind bracing the clouds,” “black-caked roofs,” “the foaming, salted, rumbling, holy sea,” and other sensory details that bring the reader into the world of Laugharne on that October morning.

18. What is the overall mood or tone of the poem?

Ans. The overall mood of the poem is one of celebration, wonder, and contemplation. The poet’s connection with nature and the beauty of the world around him evoke a sense of joy and awe. However, there is also an undercurrent of introspection and a recognition of the fleeting nature of time.

19. How does “Poem in October” relate to the broader themes in Dylan Thomas’s poetry?

Ans. “Poem in October” shares similarities with other themes found in Dylan Thomas’s poetry, such as the celebration of nature, the passage of time, and the connection between the human experience and the natural world. Thomas often explored these themes in his work, and this poem is a fine example of his lyrical and introspective style.

20. How does “Poem in October” explore the theme of mortality?

The poem delves into the theme of mortality through its portrayal of the speaker’s reflection on aging and the passing of time. Through vivid descriptions of nature and the changing seasons, Thomas evokes a sense of transience and the inevitable cycle of life and death. The exploration of mortality in “Poem in October” invites readers to contemplate their own mortality and the fleeting nature of existence.