Out of a War of Wits by Dylan Thomas
The narrative revolves around the protagonist's inner turmoil and intellectual struggles as he grapples with existential questions and societal expectations. It explores themes of identity, morality, and the human condition through a complex web of philosophical and literary allusions. The story delves into the protagonist's relationships with others, revealing tensions between individuality and conformity. Through his introspection and interactions, the narrative critiques societal norms and conventions. Ultimately, the protagonist's intellectual pursuits lead him to confront the limitations of knowledge and the futility of seeking definitive answers.
By Dylan Thomas · First published 1941 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Psychological · 294 words
First lines
Out of a war of wits, when folly of words / Was the world's to me, and syllables / Fell hard as whips on an old wound, / My brain came crying into the fresh light,
Called for confessor but there was none / To purge after the wits' fight, / And I was struck dumb by the sun.
Praise that my body be whole, I've limbs / Not stumps, after the hour of battle,
For the body's brittle and the skin's white.
What this Textopian page supports
Out of a War of Wits is listed on Textopian as a poem by Dylan Thomas, dated 1941 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: 1941 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Psychological, Literary
- Length: 294 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Out of a War of Wits by Dylan Thomas
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as metaphor, imagery, and rhythm.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions and the nature of human intellect and folly.
- Psychological — The narrative delves into the mental and emotional aftermath of intellectual conflict.
- Literary — The writing style is complex and rich, focusing on language and expression.
Tags
war · wits · conflict · intellect · strategy · psychology · tension · drama · human nature · communication · power dynamics · emotional struggle