Honors English 12

Period: 5
Chris Ahounou
Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night Poem Analysis
In this didactic poem by Dylan Thomas, the speaker addresses an unknown individual
and repeatedly tells them Do not go gentle into that good night. At first glance this poem seems
strange however after further analysis the purpose of the poem becomes very evident. The
speaker affirms that old men at the extremity of their lives ought to oppose passing as
unequivocally as possible. Thomas encourages old men to view death as an adversary. He
implies that they ought to leave this world kicking and shouting, angry that they need to bite the
dust by any means. Throughout the poem Thomas uses contrast, metaphors, and similes to stress
his point. Thomas also uses repetition which gives the speaker a resonating and enlightened tone.
The word "night" is used as a metaphor for death because it represents the "dying of
light" which symbolizes old age and demise. The poets use of contrast between day and night
reveal his sentiments about death and growing old. Thomas repeats the phrases, "Dont go gentle
into that good night" and "rage, rage against the dying of light" conversely after every stanza to
remind his audience to fight. It's a constant reminder to keep going, keep dreaming ahead, and
not limiting themselves simply because death is near. In lines 13-15 the speaker states, "Blind
eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay". The simile he uses in this line suggests that old men
should look forward to going out with a big bang. Thomas utilizes a metaphor to again contrast
the brilliance of their eyes with blasting meteors, demonstrating the force of their self control to
live on. Despite the fact that their eyes are visually impaired, these men can "see,"
metaphorically talking, with a mind-boggling conviction and are willing to fight blindly against
death.
At the end of the poem the speaker addresses his father and the poem takes a more
personal note. His dad is very nearly passing, which the speaker depicts as a "sad height". He
urges his father to keep fighting, almost desperately pleading him. Regardless of how useless this
battle against such an unavoidable thing as death may appear to be one can't resist the

opportunity to compliment the determination and furiousness of the poet, who has such a will to
live on.