Exploring eternity: The Dual themes of death and passage of time in Dylan Thomas's selected poems

This thesis explores the life and selected poetic works of Dylan Thomas, seeking to uncover the themes of death, mortality, immortality, the passage of time, and youth in relation to the fleeting nature of existence that is present in his poetry. Chapter One thoroughly examines themes such as aging, death, mortality, and immortality in two notable poems "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" and "And Death Shall Have No Dominion." These poems are significant in the context of this thesis as they display Thomas's intricate exploration of death, capturing his unwavering defiance against the inescapable grasp of death and his fervent call for a life built on fervor and resilience. In Chapter Two, this thesis delves into the intricate portrayal of the passage of time, youth, and existential reflection in Thomas's selected poems "Fern Hill" and "Poem in October." "Fern Hill" captures the ethereal essence of youth, embracing its ephemeral nature, while "Poem in October" contemplates the poet's voyage through the passage of time. These poems are important because they present a complex collection of Thomas's reflections on time, depicting it as a mysterious entity. This thesis highlights Dylan Thomas's lasting poetic legacy, emphasizing his talent for capturing universal human experiences in his works, and examines their importance in the context of twentieth-century poetry. The study also contributes to the understanding of Thomas's exploration of the themes of death, mortality, immortality, the passage of time, and youth in relation to the transitory nature of existence and highlights the significance of his work in captivating readers with the subtleties of common universal themes shared by all humanity.