Poem: Every Morning I Wake | Exercise With Summary | Grade 12 | English
0Summary:-
The poem "Every morning when I wake" by Dylan Thomas is a brief and introspective prayer that reflects the speaker's contemplation on life, mortality, and the divine. In the morning, the speaker begins the day with a prayer, asking the Lord to watch over all living beings destined for mortality. In the evening, as the sun sets, the speaker seeks a blessing for the town, acknowledging the uncertainty of whether they will survive the night.
The poem suggests a recognition of the dual nature inherent in humanity, acknowledging that people are neither wholly good nor bad as they live their lives in the town of Milk Wood. The speaker expresses a belief that the divine, in this case, the Lord, will see the best in people rather than the worst.
The concluding lines convey a sense of humility and hope as the speaker prays for the blessing of another day. The act of bowing to the sun and bidding it farewell suggests a daily ritual of gratitude and acknowledgment of the cyclical nature of life. The phrase "good-bye – but just for now" implies a temporary farewell, emphasizing the anticipation of a new day and the continuation of life's journey.
Answer the following question:-
When does the speaker pray to the Lord?
The speaker prays to the Lord both every morning when they wake and every evening at sun-down. The prayers mark the beginning and end of each day, indicating a regular and ritualistic aspect to the speaker's communication with the divine.
What does the speaker pray for?
The speaker prays for the Lord to keep a watchful and loving eye on all living creatures destined to die. Additionally, in the evening, the speaker seeks a blessing for the town, acknowledging the uncertainty of whether the inhabitants will survive the night. The prayers convey a sense of humility, recognition of mortality, and a desire for divine protection.
Who are the 'poor creatures'? Why does the speaker call them 'poor creatures"?
The term "poor creatures" likely refers to all living beings, including humans, animals, and perhaps the broader natural world. The speaker may use the term to emphasize the vulnerability and mortality inherent in all living things. It conveys a sense of compassion and acknowledges the shared fate of mortality that unites all creatures.
What does Milk Wood sound like? A type of wood or a place? Why?
Milk Wood is not referring to a type of wood; rather, it is the name of a fictional town or place. The name suggests a pastoral and idyllic setting, evoking a sense of tranquility and natural beauty. The choice of "Milk Wood" conveys a peaceful and nurturing image, associating the town with qualities like purity and sustenance.
Why do the inhabitants of Milk Wood bow to the setting sun "but just for now"?
The phrase "but just for now" suggests that the inhabitants of Milk Wood are bidding farewell to the setting sun temporarily. It implies that the farewell is not permanent, and they anticipate greeting the sun again with a bow in the future. This ritual may symbolize a daily acknowledgment of the cyclical nature of life, with the setting sun representing the end of one day and the expectation of a new day to come. The use of "just for now" underscores the temporary nature of the farewell.
Reference to the context:-
"Every Morning When I Wake" as a Prayer to God:
The poem can be interpreted as a heartfelt prayer expressing the speaker's devotion and reliance on a higher power. The regularity of the morning and evening prayers suggests a deep-seated spiritual routine, emphasizing the speaker's desire for guidance, protection, and blessings from God. The act of praying becomes a sacred and habitual dialogue between the speaker and the divine, marking the beginning and end of each day with a sense of reverence and humility.
Why the Speaker Prays to God, Not to a King, a Billionaire, or a Scientist:
The speaker's choice to address the prayer to God rather than worldly figures like a king, billionaire, or scientist reflects a profound belief in the omnipotence, benevolence, and transcendence of the divine. Unlike earthly authorities who may have limited power or finite knowledge, God is perceived as an all-encompassing force capable of providing guidance beyond human understanding. The act of prayer, in this context, signifies a surrender to a higher power that transcends the limitations of mortal existence.
Highlighting the Magnificence of God:
The poet highlights the magnificence of God through language and imagery that evoke a sense of divine grace and benevolence. Phrases such as "Dear Lord" and "loving eye" convey a personal and intimate connection with God, emphasizing a perception of God as a compassionate and watchful entity. Seeking blessings for the town further underscores the idea that the divine cares for and oversees the well-being of all living beings. The poet employs language that portrays God as a benevolent figure, emphasizing qualities that inspire reverence and awe.
Rhyme Scheme Reinforcing its Message:
The AABB rhyme scheme in the poem contributes to its rhythmic and prayer-like quality. The consistent rhyme scheme creates a musical flow, enhancing the overall tone of reverence and ritual. The structured rhyme scheme mirrors the disciplined and habitual nature of prayer, reinforcing the idea of a routine spiritual practice. The regularity and predictability of the rhyme scheme contribute to the poem's sense of harmony, emphasizing the sincerity and devotion with which the speaker addresses God in their prayers. The poem's structure serves to enhance the spiritual and contemplative atmosphere, aligning with the themes of faith and humility.