Thank you for shedding so much light on well-known lines that are often misunderstood (by me, at least) and regularly misquoted. If I understand correctly now, it is all about the dreadful impotence of the speaker (the actual 'rager') and not the unwillingness (inability, by this stage) of the dying father to resist the inevitable.
I think that's what I like about your page, and Substack in general: I am made to think, allowed to be mistaken, or at least not obviously right, and then prompted to think again. And keep thinking.
I had always assumed it was "this way" but I have no real reason why: I think I fluked it, or perhaps it just seemed natural that it could not sensibly be any other way. I take no credit. Curious about why you "don't love" DT poetry? Not that I am a mega-fan (should I say Stan?), but I am happy enough with his work. Does Milk Wood fall under your similar critique, or considered something apart?
Thank you for shedding so much light on well-known lines that are often misunderstood (by me, at least) and regularly misquoted. If I understand correctly now, it is all about the dreadful impotence of the speaker (the actual 'rager') and not the unwillingness (inability, by this stage) of the dying father to resist the inevitable.
I’d say it’s about both and the dynamic between them, but yes the speaker is very much a dominant part of the poem
Quite. I wonder how much of himself Thomas knew he was revealing as he wrote it. Some, of course. But how much exactly.
I think it’s all quite intentional
I think that's what I like about your page, and Substack in general: I am made to think, allowed to be mistaken, or at least not obviously right, and then prompted to think again. And keep thinking.
That’s exactly what I’m trying to do yes — glad you like it :)
It requires self-control on the part of all parties (like anything worthwhile in society) but it's better all round. So - thank you.
Henry,
Excellent essay on this famous poem. It also goes to the meaning of legacy, something I've been thinking about for a future post.
Thank you! Ah interest idea for a post—lots to be said… some people think Dylan is famous because of his death, but I’m not convinced
I had always assumed it was "this way" but I have no real reason why: I think I fluked it, or perhaps it just seemed natural that it could not sensibly be any other way. I take no credit. Curious about why you "don't love" DT poetry? Not that I am a mega-fan (should I say Stan?), but I am happy enough with his work. Does Milk Wood fall under your similar critique, or considered something apart?
I like his death poetry, the rest doesn’t do much for me, just a matter is taste I suppose