Should Lanterns Shine
The narrative revolves around a young boy's journey to understand the complexities of life and death after witnessing a funeral procession. The story explores themes of mortality, innocence, and the passage of time through the protagonist's observations and interactions with others.
By Dylan Thomas · First published 1944 · Genre: Poetry, Modernist, Philosophical · 201 words
First lines
Should lanterns shine, the holy face, Caught in an octagon of unaccustomed light, Would wither up, and any boy of love Look twice before he fell from grace.
The features in their private dark Are formed of flesh, but let the false day come And from her lips the added pigments fall, The mummy cloths expose an ancient breast.
I have been taught to reason by the heart,
But heart, like head, leads helplessly; I have been told to reason by the pulse, And, when it quickens, alter the actions' pace Till field and roof lie level and the same So fast I move defying time, the quiet gentleman
What this Textopian page supports
Should Lanterns Shine 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, Modernist, Philosophical, Symbolism
- Length: 201 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Should Lanterns Shine by Dylan Thomas
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Should Lanterns Shine?
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Similar titles
- The Lockless Door by Robert Frost
- Never May The Fruit Be Plucked by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Three Things by Madison Cawein
- The Land Of Love Poems From Mardi by Herman Melville
- The Echo In The Heart Lyrics Of Labour And Romance by Henry Van Dyke
- The Bluebird by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as imagery, metaphor, and rhythm.
- Modernist — The themes of existential reflection and the use of abstract imagery align with modernist literary characteristics.
- Philosophical — The poem explores deep philosophical questions about perception, time, and the nature of reality.
- Symbolism — The use of symbolic language and imagery, such as 'lanterns' and 'holy face,' suggests deeper meanings beyond the literal.
Tags
Poetry · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory · Mythology · Folklore · Cultural Heritage · National Identity · Social Commentary · Philosophy · Existentialism