Character
What/whom does Captain Cat dream of?
His drowned shipmates and former lover
What does water symbolise in the play?
Nostalgia
What historical event is said to have inspired Thomas to write Under Milk Wood?
The atomic bombings in Japan at the end of WWII
How does First Voice's emphasis on darkness at the beginning of the play link to Under Milk Wood's genre?
It is a radio play, so the audience is also "in darkness" since there are no visual cues to rely on.
What does the opening phrase of the play evoke for the listener?
A creation myth or story; the Book of Genesis
Who says that he will warm Miss Price's sheets "like an electric toaster"?
Mr Edwards
What two elements of the past generally fill the townspeople's dreams?
Memories of childhood and the dead
When and where was Thomas born?
How is the "Definitive Edition" that we are reading different from other editions in terms of narration?
Single-voice narration
What could the rhythm of Thomas's language be compared to?
The tidal rhythms and waves of the sea
Who has Mr Waldo's nose, according to First Neighbour?
Beattie Morris's baby
What theme do Captain Cat's dreams reflect?
The duality of past (death) and present (life)
When and where was Under Milk Wood first performed?
14 May 1953 in New York
How is the play similar to a Greek drama?
Unities of time (single day: 24 hours), place (single Welsh village: Llareggub) and action (one continuous narrative)
What is the effect of "bible-black"?
The use of alliteration draws the listener's attention to the atmosphere of darkness (night) at the beginning of the play as well as suggests a religious aspect of the town; it also helps the audience link the opening of the play to the book of Genesis in the Bible (creating light from darkness).
What does Rev. Eli Jenkins dream of?
Eisteddfodau (a Welsh cultural festival) in rhymes and to Celtic music
What theme does Miss Price and Mr Edward's relationship embody?
How was Dylan Thomas familiar with Welsh if he only read and wrote in English?
His parents spoke Welsh (even if they chose not to teach it to their children), so he no doubt grew up hearing Welsh words at times.
Describe the tone of the narration in its portrayal of the townspeople.
Comical but non-judgmental (a frank, honest look at the villagers' imperfections)
What is the significance of "Come closer now" (p.4)?
It indicates a shift in the play's narrative development from the impersonal to the personal and informs the listener that s/he will now be privy to the innermost details of the townspeople's lives (beyond what is visible on the surface).
How do Mr and Mrs Organ Morgan's dreams differ, and what could this reveal?
Mr Organ Morgan dreams of "perturbation and music" and his wife dreams of silence; they do not seem to connect as a couple.
How does Thomas portray the role of storytelling in the play?
Thomas portrays its power and importance by highlighting its ability to create meaning in the townspeople's lives as well as shape their narratives.
Name two famous poems by Thomas.
"Fern Hill" and "Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night"
What is the subtitle of the play? Why?
A Play for Voices. The voices in the radio play--both named and unnamed--are the purpose and vehicle of the drama.
Comment on the effect of language in: "moonless night in the small town, starless".
By stating that the night is "starless" and "moonless," Thomas creates an implicit expectation of their presence. The audience is reminded of what is missing, and their imagination fills in the void with the image of stars and the moon that are absent. This literary technique, often referred to as negative suggestion, uses negation to emphasize and conjure up the very details being omitted.