Circularity in Dylan Thomas's Self-Contained World: A Hermeneutic Approach

Abstract

This thesis deals with the concept of circularity in the self-contained world formulated by Dylan Thomas in his poetry. Chapter one highlights the major features of circularity in nature. It investigates how elements of decay are evident in nature, but, at the same time, they are balanced by those of resourcefulness. This reconciliatory view of both elements is achieved via the child's perspective. Life in nature is entwined with death to form mere steps in an endless cycle. In chapter two, the tracing of circularity in nature is aided by a similar study of circularity in time. Temporal cycles of night and day, darkness and light, seasons and years are evident and inherent in the human mind. They are accepted as parts of everyday life. But they are, for Thomas, a gateway to a new view of eternity. Chapter three delineates Thomas's novel handling of the concepts of life and death. The removal of the fear of death is necessary. They are not in conflict but in endless circulation. After death, life begins again. Thus, human existence is based not on decay but on eternal life renewal and the firm faith in the ever circularity of everything that comes into being. The thesis, in this respect, provides a plausible, comprehensive interpretation of Thomas's frankly-stated goal behind his poetry; his poems are for the praise of God and the love of man.