Literature: Christmas with Dylan Thomas

The course will begin by exploring Dylan Thomas’ childhood and the origins of the radio broadcast in the context of his relationship with the BBC at the conclusion of the Second World War, when the BBC was eager to broadcast ‘feel good’ subject matter to a weary population, still existing under rationing.The session will also examine the narrative voice of the broadcast, and Thomas’ unique style of radio address, particularly the poetic nature of his prose. By analysing these elements, we will be able to recognise why the piece is memorable,and is still able to communicate powerfully with contemporary audiences.In our analysis, we will discover the manner in which Thomas creates a vividness, if hyperbolic vision of pre-war childhood Christmases through the use of poetic devices, such as alliteration, assonance, repetition, and metaphorical flourishes, all of which create a timeless and dream-like quality, that remains powerful because it communicates with you, the listener or reader on a deeply sensuous level, and as it does, provokes you into your own memories. We will also discover the Welshness of the broadcast, and discuss the relationship between this broadcast and his famous play for voices, ‘Under Milkwood.’ The text will be provided for you on Canvas to read in advance.