When once the Twilight Locks
The narrative revolves around a protagonist who experiences a series of surreal and dreamlike events after the sun sets. As night descends, he becomes increasingly disconnected from reality, struggling to distinguish between his own identity and that of others. The story explores themes of identity, isolation, and the blurring of boundaries between self and other.
By Dylan Thomas · First published 1946 · Genre: Poetry, Modernist, Surrealism · 483 words
First lines
When once the twilight locks no longer Locked in the long worm of my finger Nor dammed the sea that sped about my fist, The mouth of time sucked, like a sponge,
The milky acid on each hinge, And swallowed dry the waters of the breast.
What this Textopian page supports
When once the Twilight Locks 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, Modernist, Surrealism, Fantasy, Philosophical
- Length: 483 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as metaphor, imagery, and rhythm.
- Modernist — The themes and style reflect modernist characteristics, including complex imagery and a focus on existential themes.
- Surrealism — The imagery and narrative elements are dreamlike and surreal, creating a sense of unreality.
- Fantasy — The poem includes fantastical elements and imaginative scenarios that transcend reality.
Tags
Poetry · Darkness · Mortality · Existentialism · Philosophy · Literary Fiction · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allusion · Mythology · Psychological Insight