Every Morning I Wake

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. When does the speaker pray to the Lord?

The speaker prays to the Lord every morning when they wake and every evening at sun-down.

b. What does the speaker pray for?

The speaker prays for God's protection and blessings. In the morning, they ask the Lord to keep His loving eye on all the poor creatures born to die. In the evening, they ask for a blessing on the town and express uncertainty about whether they will last the night.

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

The 'poor creatures' referred to by the speaker are likely all living beings or perhaps specifically the inhabitants of Milk Wood. The speaker calls them 'poor creatures' to emphasize their vulnerability and mortality. It is a reminder of the frailty and impermanence of life.

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

Milk Wood is not a literal type of wood; rather, it is a place. It refers to the fictional town of Milk Wood, which is depicted in Dylan Thomas's play "Under Milk Wood." The name suggests a serene and idyllic environment, evoking a sense of tranquility and natural beauty associated with a pastoral setting.

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 'but just for now' because it signifies the end of the day. The phrase implies that their gesture of bidding farewell to the sun is temporary and that they will welcome its return the next day. It reflects the cyclical nature of life, where each day is followed by a new beginning, and the sun's setting is seen as a temporary pause rather than a permanent farewell.

Reference to the context

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

"Every Morning When I Wake" can be seen as a prayer to God that reflects the speaker's humble and reverent attitude towards the divine. The poem captures the speaker's routine of starting and ending each day with a prayer, acknowledging their dependence on a higher power.

The act of praying in the morning and evening demonstrates the speaker's recognition of the significance of these moments in their daily life. It signifies their desire for guidance, protection, and blessings throughout the day and night. By beginning the day with a prayer, the speaker seeks God's watchful eye over all living beings, emphasizing their concern for the welfare of others.

The prayer also reflects the speaker's acknowledgment of the fragility and uncertainty of life. They express a sense of vulnerability, understanding that whether they "last the night or no" is always uncertain and can be a matter of chance. This recognition reinforces their reliance on divine intervention and highlights their faith in God's providence.

The speaker's characterization of humanity as "not wholly bad or good" suggests an awareness of human imperfections. They acknowledge the complexity of human nature, emphasizing that even in a town like Milk Wood, individuals possess both positive and negative qualities. This recognition demonstrates the speaker's understanding of the human condition and their hope that God will see the best side of people rather than their flaws.

Throughout the poem, the speaker's tone is earnest and sincere, conveying a deep sense of faith and trust in God. They implore God to grant them another day, illustrating their gratitude for the gift of life and their desire to continue their journey. The closing lines, where the inhabitants of Milk Wood bid farewell to the setting sun "but just for now," convey a sense of temporary separation from the divine and an expectation of its return, symbolizing an ongoing relationship with God.

Overall, "Every Morning When I Wake" can be interpreted as a prayer that encapsulates the speaker's reliance on God's guidance, their acceptance of human imperfections, and their trust in the cyclical nature of life. It exemplifies the timeless act of prayer, reflecting the universal human longing for a connection with the divine and the hope for blessings and protection 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 makes a prayer to God rather than a king, a billionaire, or a scientist because God, in many religious and spiritual beliefs, is considered the ultimate source of power, wisdom, and guidance. There are a few reasons why the speaker may choose to direct their prayers towards God rather than these other figures:

1. Divine Authority: God is often seen as the supreme authority, the creator of the universe, and the one who governs all things. The speaker may believe that God has ultimate control over their life and the world, and therefore, they turn to God in prayer as the highest and most trustworthy source of help and guidance.
2. Transcendence: God is often considered transcendent, existing beyond the limitations of the physical world. The speaker may view God as a spiritual and metaphysical entity who can offer divine assistance, whereas kings, billionaires, and scientists are bound by their human limitations and cannot provide the same level of transcendental support.
3. Faith and Belief: Prayer is often an expression of one's faith and belief in a higher power. The speaker may have a religious or spiritual conviction that leads them to turn to God in prayer. Their belief in God's existence, love, and benevolence may strengthen their trust that God will listen to their prayers and respond in a way that aligns with their best interests.
4. Personal Connection: For many individuals, prayer is an intimate and personal act of communication with a higher power. The speaker may feel a deep connection to God and find solace, comfort, and guidance through their relationship with the divine. This personal connection may not be present with kings, billionaires, or scientists, as their authority or expertise does not necessarily extend to the spiritual realm.

It's important to note that the speaker's choice to pray to God instead of these other figures does not diminish the value or significance of kings, billionaires, or scientists in their respective roles and contributions. Prayer is a subjective and personal practice, and the speaker's choice reflects their individual beliefs, faith, and understanding of the divine.

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

The poet highlights the magnificence of God through several elements in the poem:

1. Language and Imagery: The poet uses elevated and reverent language to describe God, emphasizing His greatness and divine nature. Phrases like "Dear Lord," "Thy loving eye," and "bless us all this night, I pray" convey a sense of awe and respect. The use of religious language adds to the overall tone of reverence and highlights the transcendence of God.
2. Humility and Dependence: The speaker's prayer reflects a humble and dependent attitude towards God. By acknowledging their own vulnerability and mortality, and by referring to themselves and others as "poor creatures," the poet underscores the vast difference between human beings and the divine. This juxtaposition accentuates the magnificence and power of God.
3. Trust and Faith: Throughout the poem, the speaker expresses trust and faith in God's goodness and mercy. The lines, "And Thou, I know, wilt be the first/ To see our best side, not our worst," convey the belief that God sees the best in people and has a compassionate understanding of their flaws and imperfections. This trust in God's benevolence and discernment further adds to His magnificence.
4. Recognition of God's Providence: The speaker's prayer acknowledges God's providence and control over the events of life. By praying for God's protection and blessings, both in the morning and evening, the poet highlights the belief that God has the power to guide and shape their lives. This recognition of God's sovereignty reinforces His magnificence and supreme authority.
5. Connection to Nature and Creation: The poem alludes to the setting of Milk Wood, a place associated with natural beauty and tranquility. This connection to nature serves to highlight the magnificence of God as the creator of the world and all its wonders. The speaker's reverence for the setting and their acknowledgment of the cyclical nature of life further emphasize the divine power and magnificence.

By combining language, imagery, themes of humility, trust, and the recognition of God's providence and connection to nature, the poet effectively highlights the magnificence of God in the poem. The portrayal of God as a benevolent, all-seeing, and all-powerful figure contributes to a sense of awe and reverence, underscoring the divine magnificence.

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

The poem "Every Morning When I Wake" follows a consistent and structured rhyme scheme, which is ABABCCDDEFFGGHHII. This rhyme scheme helps reinforce the poem's message in a few ways:

Rhythm and Flow: The consistent rhyme scheme contributes to the poem's rhythmic flow and musicality. The rhyming couplets and alternating rhymes create a pleasing and balanced cadence, enhancing the poem's overall harmony. This rhythmic quality can draw the reader or listener into the prayer-like nature of the poem, making it easier to engage with the message being conveyed.

Unity and Cohesion: The rhyme scheme creates a sense of unity and cohesion throughout the poem. The repetition of similar sounds at the end of each line helps to tie the lines together, giving the poem a cohesive structure. This unity reflects the speaker's consistent and unwavering devotion in their prayer. It also contributes to the poem's overall sense of order and balance, mirroring the speaker's reverence and faith in God's divine presence.

Emphasis on Key Ideas: The rhyme scheme allows the poet to highlight key ideas or phrases through repetition. For example, the repetition of end rhymes like "wake" and "take," "eye" and "die," or "pray" and "day" draws attention to these significant words and concepts. This repetition serves to emphasize the central themes of prayer, mortality, and the speaker's reliance on God's presence and guidance.

Memorability: The consistent rhyme scheme can aid in the poem's memorability and impact. The regularity of the rhymes helps to create a memorable structure, making it easier for the poem's message to resonate with the reader or listener. The repetition of similar sounds can also enhance the poem's memorability, allowing key lines or phrases to linger in the mind.

Overall, the rhyme scheme of the poem contributes to its message by providing a harmonious flow, emphasizing key ideas, enhancing unity and cohesion, and aiding in its memorability. It adds a musical quality to the prayer-like verses, reinforcing the speaker's devotion and underscoring the themes of faith, dependence on God, and the cyclical nature of life.

Learn why the correct rhyme scheme for the poem "Every Morning When I Wake" is AABBAACCDDAEEFFGGHHI

Every morning when I wake, A
Dear Lord, a little prayer I make, A
O please do keep Thy loving eye B
On all poor creatures born to die B

And every evening at sun-down C
I ask a blessing on the town, C
For whether we last the night or no D
I'm sure is always touch-and-go D

We are not wholly bad or good E
Who live our lives under Milk Wood E
And Thou, I know, wilt be the first F
To see our best side, not our worst F

O let us see another day! G
Bless us all this night, I pray, G
And to the sun we all will bow H
And say, good-bye - but just for now! H

Reference beyond the text

a. Does the God exist? Give your opinion.

Belief in the existence of God is often rooted in faith, personal experiences, religious teachings, philosophical arguments, and a sense of the divine presence. Many individuals find comfort, guidance, and purpose in their belief in God. They perceive evidence of God's existence through the beauty and complexity of the natural world, the moral order they observe, or through personal encounters that they interpret as divine manifestations.

It's important to note that belief in God is a deeply personal and subjective matter, and different individuals may arrive at different conclusions based on their own perspectives, experiences, and understanding of the world.

b. In his Epistle to the author of the book, The Three Impostors (1768), Voltaire says, “Even if the God didn’t exist, it would be necessary to invent him.” Write an essay highlighting the importance of the God in the society.

The Importance of God in Society: A Reflection on Voltaire's Perspective

Voltaire, a prominent Enlightenment philosopher, made a thought-provoking statement in his Epistle to the author of the book, The Three Impostors, stating, "Even if God didn't exist, it would be necessary to invent him." This essay explores the significance of God in society, acknowledging the multifaceted impact of belief in a higher power on individuals and communities.

1. Moral Foundation: One crucial aspect of the importance of God in society lies in providing a moral foundation. Belief in God often accompanies a system of moral values, guiding individuals in their ethical decisions and actions. The idea of divine judgment and reward serves as a moral compass, fostering a sense of accountability and encouraging individuals to act with kindness, compassion, and integrity. God's existence provides a basis for moral principles, which help establish a harmonious and just society.
2. Meaning and Purpose: Belief in God offers individuals a sense of meaning and purpose in life. It provides answers to existential questions about the origin, meaning, and ultimate destiny of humanity. The concept of a divine plan and a higher purpose gives individuals a framework to understand their existence and navigate through life's challenges. The belief that there is a greater significance to their actions and experiences fosters personal growth, resilience, and a sense of fulfillment.
3. Community and Solidarity: Religious belief often acts as a unifying force, bringing people together and promoting social cohesion. Places of worship and religious gatherings serve as spaces where individuals find a sense of belonging, support, and connection with others who share their faith. These communities foster cooperation, mutual aid, and social bonds that transcend differences in background, ethnicity, or social status. God becomes a focal point that unites individuals under a common purpose, promoting empathy, tolerance, and a spirit of unity.
4. Coping with Adversity: Belief in God plays a significant role in providing solace and comfort during times of hardship, grief, and uncertainty. The belief in a benevolent and loving higher power offers emotional support, hope, and a source of inner strength when facing personal or societal challenges. It provides a framework for understanding suffering, offering individuals a sense of divine presence and the belief that their burdens can be shared with a compassionate God.
5. Sense of Transcendence: The belief in God allows individuals to transcend the limitations of their existence and connect with something greater than themselves. It opens the door to spiritual experiences, fostering a sense of awe, wonder, and reverence. This sense of transcendence can inspire creativity, philosophical exploration, and a search for deeper truths, enriching human culture and contributing to intellectual and artistic endeavors.

The importance of God in society extends beyond individual beliefs. Belief in a higher power provides a moral foundation, imbues life with meaning and purpose, strengthens social bonds, provides solace during adversity, and encourages the exploration of transcendental experiences. While views on God's existence may differ, recognizing the significance of belief in society acknowledges the profound impact it has on shaping individuals, communities, and the fabric of human civilization.