The passion and determination for life is developed through the use of metaphor and contrasting imagery that Thomas uses to convey that even in old age life is worth fighting for. The representation of life is depicted through day and night, which is a clever image as it is an inevitable transition in nature, and in the same way, death is inescapable, and that the only thing a man can do is ‘rage, rage against the dying of the light’. This creates such a strong theme of struggle and determination despite it being a lost cause. Light, in this poem, represents vitality, vibrancy, youth and a fiery existence, men who ‘sung the sun in flight’. This is seen through the diction in the poem the ‘blaze’, ‘meteors’, ‘burn’ are all words that are fiery and powerful in their meaning and physical manifestations, and this reflects the force with which these old men should fight for their lives.
The use of repetition in the poem develops the strong and willful tone and atmosphere of the poem. ‘Do not go gentle in to the good night’ heard over and over again creates a sort of echoing tone, that serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience that is required of these ‘grave men,’ sounding similar to a resounding battle cry. The reader is empathetic towards the efforts of these old men, which is further emphasized by the narrators personal connection as to why he feels so intensely about preserving life. His father, with his ‘fierce tears’ is close to death, experiencing this same losing battle as the ‘good men described in previous stanza’s. This personal connection evokes a lot of emotion, as there are sentimental reasons as to why he should fight death. Thomas quickly uses this emotional experience to demonstrate the importance of relationships and family, and their value to individuals.
However, there is more exploration of life itself in this poem as much as it is about death. Thomas conveys the regret that one feels in old age for not valuing and appreciating youth. The ‘wild men’ look back upon their moments of pride and glory, and ‘learn, too late’ how much they should have treasured these moments, or given themselves the chance to experience different things, and now they are ‘crying how bright Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay’. Thiss aid, despite their regrets, their lives are still of value, and are not over and therefore they should fight death. By highlighting this regret, compared to the fortitude that Thomas creates, the reader is given the impression that there is still a chance to do more with the lives they have, even in old age, that ‘blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay’. The intention of Thomas is to signify that no matter how these men now ‘their dark is right’, their battle against their inevitable fight is still noble and have worthy cause.
The powerful nature of this poem is not only seen through the words, but through the form and construction of the poem as a whole. Most significantly, this poem is written in iambic pentameter, this emphasized rhythm with its distinct sound is reflective of the courage and strength that the men have to have in their efforts to not ‘go gentle’ towards death. Moreover, the rhyme scheme, uses hard rhymes, that create a pounding and force to the sound of the poem. With a powerful rhyme scheme the tone and atmosphere of the poem becomes just as hard-hitting, which all ties in with the theme and motive for the poem.
In entirety, the poem is a great piece of work that manages to truly send a message to the reader. There is such motivation and drive in preserving life which makes it clear that life is worth living. As much as there is the dark reminder that death has the upper hand, no one has to give in so easily. Being alive is reason enough to ‘rave and burn at close of day’.
by
njerimuhia (student)
