Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night

Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” was written by a concerning son begging his father to battle for his life. Dylan Thomas did not want his father to surrender the fight against death. The author states at the end of his poem how he wanted his father to live and defeat death with rage. “And you, my father, there on the sad height, curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray. Do not go gentle into that good night” (Thomas lines 16-18). Clearly, the author wants his father to stay strong, put his armor on, and not give up the fight to stay alive. People need to realize that our light is running out every day. In the poem, the author uses the word “light” to symbolize each person’s life. “Old age should burn and rave at close of day; rage, rage against the dying of light” (Lines 2-3). Thomas indicates as we age, we also get closer to death. He wants readers to show frustration or anger towards the fact that time is constantly running out. This means that people can only get older. Each day that ends takes some of our “light” away until none is left. As humans we cannot escape our fate because death is a part of life. “Though wise men at their end know dark is right” (Line 4). Being aware that death cannot be stopped makes people realize their light should not be wasted. “Because their words had forked no lightning they do not go gentle into that good night” (Lines 5-6). The author explains that no matter what we do, the light will go out eventually. However, Thomas also explains how in life it is much better to have shined the light everywhere and accomplished everything possible. This way, when death comes around peace will be right at its side. If one does not live life with a purpose it can be gone in a blink of an eye. It is important to succeed, do well, and leave no room in life for regrets. “Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, and learn, too late, they grieved it on its way” (Lines 12-13). The author really wants readers to understand that death is something that can happen at any time; death can be completely unexpected, random, or just at the right time. However, those who do not live life to the fullest end up regretting the things they should have done when death strikes. Instead of getting older and stressing about how life is coming to an end, people should work hard at accomplishing all of their goals. This poem tells us that we should not waste our light (Line 6). If we live each day to the fullest why would we rage against death? Focus on using up all your light not letting it go to waste.