Over Sir John's Hill by Dylan Thomas
The narrative revolves around a young boy who witnesses the death of his grandfather from afar, while standing on Sir John's Hill overlooking the town below. The story explores themes of mortality, loss, and the complexities of human emotions through the boy's observations and reflections.
By Dylan Thomas · First published 1944 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Symbolism · 631 words
First lines
Over Sir John's hill, The hawk on fire hangs still; In a hoisted cloud, at drop of dusk, he pulls to his claws And gallows, up the rays of his eyes the small birds of the bay
And the shrill child's play Wars Of the sparrows and such who swansing, dusk, in wrangling hedges.
What this Textopian page supports
Over Sir John's Hill is listed on Textopian as a poem by Dylan Thomas, dated 1944 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: 1944 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Symbolism, Modernism, Elegy
- Length: 631 words
- Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing poetic devices such as imagery, metaphor, and rhythm.
- Nature — The poem vividly describes natural elements and wildlife, focusing on birds and the landscape.
- Symbolism — The text employs symbolic imagery, such as the hawk and heron, to convey deeper meanings.
- Modernism — The style reflects modernist characteristics, including complex imagery and a focus on subjective experience.
Tags
Poetry · Narrative Verse · Autobiographical · Coming-of-Age · Wales · Regionalism · Rural Life · Family Dynamics · Social Class · Identity Crisis · Youthful Rebellion · Literary Modernism