The Hand that Signed the Paper
This novel explores themes of identity, morality, and the complexities of human relationships through a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. The story revolves around a protagonist who becomes embroiled in a web of deceit and manipulation, forcing them to confront their own sense of self and the true nature of those around them. Through a non-linear structure, the novel delves into the protagonist's inner world, revealing a rich tapestry of emotions, memories, and experiences that shape their perception of reality. The narrative is characterized by its use of symbolism, metaphor, and allusion, which adds depth and complexity to the story, inviting readers to interpret and reflect on the themes and ideas presented.
By Dylan Thomas · First published 1940 · Genre: Poetry, Political Commentary, Allegory · 167 words
First lines
The hand that signed the paper felled a city; Five sovereign fingers taxed the breath, Doubled the globe of dead and halved a country; These five kings did a king to death.
The mighty hand leads to a sloping shoulder, The finger joints are cramped with chalk; A goose's quill has put an end to murder That put an end to talk.
The hand that signed the treaty bred a fever,
And famine grew, and locusts came; Great is the hand that holds dominion over Man by a scribbled name.
What this Textopian page supports
The Hand that Signed the Paper is listed on Textopian as a poem by Dylan Thomas, dated 1940 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: 1940 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Political Commentary, Allegory, Historical, Philosophical
- Length: 167 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Hand that Signed the Paper by Dylan Thomas
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Hold Hard These Ancient Minutes by Dylan Thomas
- In The Beginning by Dylan Thomas
- In Wasting One Drop by Dylan Thomas
- Out Of The Sighs by Dylan Thomas
- To Others Than You by Dylan Thomas
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery.
- Political Commentary — The themes revolve around power, governance, and the consequences of political decisions.
- Allegory — The poem uses symbolic figures and actions to convey deeper meanings about authority and its impact.
- Historical — References to treaties and sovereign power suggest a reflection on historical events and their ramifications.
Tags
Poetry · Wales · Autobiographical · Memoir · Literary Fiction · Short Stories · Coming of Age · Family Dynamics · Social Commentary · Regionalism · Cultural Identity · Nostalgia