A Refusal to Mourn the Death, by Fire, of a Child in London Glossary

by Dylan Thomas

A Refusal to Mourn the Death, by Fire, of a Child in London Glossary

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Blaspheme

To poke fun at and curse a holy figure.

Sackcloth

A garment that is worn during times of sorrow.

Elegy

A poem used to eulogize someone who has died.

Unmouring

The British spelling of unmooring; meaning to feel disconnected.

Zion

A holy place

Blitzkreig

A military strategy employed by Nazi Germany designed to overwhelm enemies by striking quickly and decisively. The poem's title alludes to this strategy.

Profanation

Desecrating someone or something.

Führer

The leader of Germany and a title held by Adolf Hitler, who was responsible for the air raids mentioned in the poem.

Luftwaffe

The German Air Force; the people responsible for the attacks mentioned in the poem.

Appeasment

The act of giving into the demands of a hostile power in the hope that they will be placated.

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