No Man Believes by Dylan Thomas
The poem explores the idea that a man's faith and conviction are deeply rooted in his own experiences and emotions, rather than external influences or dogma. It describes how a person's beliefs are shaped by their individual perspective on life, which can be influenced by personal struggles, relationships, and cultural background. The speaker suggests that true understanding and acceptance come from within, and that external forces cannot dictate one's faith or worldview. The poem touches on the theme of existentialism, where an individual takes responsibility for creating their own meaning in life, rather than relying on external authorities or institutions.
By Dylan Thomas · First published 1946 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious · 256 words
First lines
No man believes who, when a star falls shot, Cries not aloud blind as a bat, Cries not in terror when a bird is drawn Into the quicksand feathers down,
Who does not make a wound in faith When any light goes out, and life is death.
No man believes who cries not, god is not, Who feels not coldness in the heat, In the breasted summer longs not for spring,
No breasted girl, no man who, young And green, sneers not at the old sky.
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No Man Believes is listed on Textopian as a poem by Dylan Thomas, dated 1946 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Dylan Thomas
- Date: 1946 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious, Psychological
- Length: 256 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
- The Inevitable by Emily Dickinson
- Following by Emily Dickinson
- Proof by Emily Dickinson
- The Mystery Of Pain by Emily Dickinson
- If I Should Die by Emily Dickinson
- Mortal Flesh Is Not Your Place In The Ground by Edna St Vincent Millay
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, and employs poetic devices such as imagery and metaphor.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions about belief, faith, and the human condition, prompting reflection on life's meaning.
- Religious — The text engages with religious concepts, questioning the nature of faith and the divine, and includes references to God and salvation.
- Psychological — The work delves into the internal struggles of belief and doubt, examining the psychological impact of faith and existential crisis.
Tags
Poetry · Wales · Literary Fiction · Short Stories · Existentialism · Philosophy · Psychology · Human Nature · Relationships · Love · Loss · Death