After the Funeral by Dylan Thomas
The narrative revolves around a family's grief and guilt following the death of their patriarch. The story explores themes of mortality, loss, and the complexities of human relationships within the family unit.
By Dylan Thomas · First published 1953 · Genre: Poetry, Elegy, Modernist · 488 words
First lines
(In memory of Ann Jones) After the funeral, mule praises, brays, Windshake of sailshaped ears, muffle-toed tap Tap happily of one peg in the thick Grave's foot, blinds down the lids, the teeth in black,
The spittled eyes, the salt ponds in the sleeves, Morning smack of the spade that wakes up sleep, Shakes a desolate boy who slits his throat In the dark of the coffin and sheds dry leaves, That breaks one bone to light with a judgement clout,
What this Textopian page supports
After the Funeral is listed on Textopian as a short story by Dylan Thomas, dated 1953 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Dylan Thomas
- Date: 1953 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Elegy, Modernist, Symbolism, Pastoral
- Length: 488 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for After the Funeral by Dylan Thomas
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering After the Funeral?
- How does this short story by Dylan Thomas fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Grief Ago by Dylan Thomas
- Grief Thief Of Time by Dylan Thomas
- Remembrance by Lord Byron
- Dirge by Madison Cawein
- Here Is A Wound That Never Will Heal by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Requiescat by Matthew Arnold
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing poetic devices such as imagery, metaphor, and rhythm to convey its themes.
- Elegy — The poem serves as a lament for the deceased, reflecting on themes of mourning and remembrance.
- Modernist — The style and themes align with Modernist literature, characterized by complex imagery and a focus on individual perception.
- Symbolism — The use of symbolic language and imagery to convey deeper meanings is prevalent throughout the work.
Tags
Poetry · Funeral · Mortality · Death · Loss · Grief · Elegy · Lamentation · Melancholy · Sorrow · Regret · Longing