SUMMARY:

The poem begins with the speaker's morning prayer, where they ask God to watch over all the creatures destined for mortality. They seek divine guidance and care for the inhabitants of their town. In the evening, as the sun sets, the speaker requests a blessing upon the town, acknowledging the uncertainty of whether they will all survive the night.

The speaker reflects on the inhabitants of Llareggub, acknowledging that they are neither entirely good nor entirely bad. They emphasize that despite their flaws, God will perceive their better qualities and virtues.

The poem ends with a hopeful plea for another day of life, asking for blessings for everyone through the night. The speaker expresses a temporary goodbye to the sun, signaling the end of the day, but also an expectation of its return the following morning.

COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS:

Dylan Thomas' poem reflects a sense of vulnerability and reliance on a higher power. The speaker's prayers underscore the fragility of human life and the uncertainties faced by the townspeople. Through simple language and a conversational tone, Thomas captures the universal human desire for protection, guidance, and the hope for a new day.

The repetition of the daily routine—morning prayers and evening blessings—highlights the cycle of life and the continuity of these petitions for safety and grace. The acknowledgment of human imperfection adds depth to the portrayal of the townspeople, emphasizing their complexities and the speaker's belief in the inherent goodness within them.

Thomas' use of religious imagery and the appeal to God's mercy and understanding demonstrates the speaker's faith and the comfort derived from seeking divine intervention in the face of life's uncertainties.

Overall, "Every Morning I Wake" is a poignant portrayal of the human condition, emphasizing the need for compassion, understanding, and hope, amidst the mundane routines of daily life. The poem invites readers to contemplate the fragility of existence and the enduring quest for blessings and protection.

Answer the following questions. 

a. When does the speaker pray to the Lord? 

●      The speaker prays to the Lord every morning when they wake up and also in the evening at sundown.

b. What does the speaker pray for? 

●      They pray for God's protection and care for all the creatures destined to die and for blessings upon the town and its people, especially during the night.

c. Who are the ‘poor creatures’? Why does the speaker call them ‘poor creatures’?

●      The 'poor creatures' are the ordinary inhabitants of Milk Wood, and the speaker calls them 'poor creatures' to emphasize their vulnerability and mortality.

d. What does Milk Wood sound like? A type of wood or a place? Why?

●      Milk Wood is the name of a place, not a type of wood. It's the setting of the poem, a small Welsh town called Llareggub. It sounds like a place because it's where the inhabitants live their lives.

e. Why do the inhabitants of Milk Wood bow to the setting sun ‘but just for now’? 

●      The inhabitants of Milk Wood bow to the setting sun 'just for now' as a temporary farewell, symbolizing a transition from day to night, expressing a hope to see another day.

Answer the following  more questions.

a. Discuss “Every Morning When I Wake” as a prayer to the God.

●      The poem is structured as a prayer, starting with the speaker's morning ritual of addressing God.

●      It appeals to God for protection, care, and blessings for all the inhabitants of the town.

●      The prayer reflects the speaker's faith and reliance on a higher power for guidance and mercy in the face of life's uncertainties.

b. Why does the speaker make a prayer to the God, but not to a king, a billionaire or a scientist?

●      The speaker chooses to pray to God because of the belief in divine omnipotence, love, and understanding.

●      Unlike earthly figures like kings, billionaires, or scientists who possess limited power, God is seen as all-knowing, all-loving, and capable of providing universal care and guidance.

c. How does the poet highlight the magnificence of the God? 

●      The poet portrays God's magnificence through the language used in the prayer. Phrases like "Dear Lord" and "Thy loving eye" convey reverence and awe.

●      The prayer acknowledges God's ability to see beyond human flaws and perceive the best side of individuals, showcasing God's compassionate and understanding nature.

d. How does the rhyme scheme of the poem reinforce its message?

●      The poem follows a simple and regular rhyme scheme (ABAB CDCD) throughout its stanzas.

●      This structured rhyme scheme mirrors the routine nature of the speaker's prayers, emphasizing the cyclical and repetitive nature of seeking divine intervention.

●      The consistent rhyming pattern reinforces the message of daily reliance on God for protection and blessings, highlighting the consistency and sincerity of the speaker's plea.

Overall, the poem "Every Morning When I Wake" functions as a humble and repetitive prayer to God, showcasing the speaker's faith, dependence, and belief in the magnificence and merciful nature of the divine. The choice to address God over earthly figures, along with the consistent rhyme scheme, contributes to the portrayal of faith and reliance on a higher power for guidance and protection.