Go Gentle Into That Light

Throughout the history of American literature, poets have used their works to convey deeper and more serious meanings. For example, Dylan Thomas writes “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night,” on the basis of those on their death beds should not settle for their death. Instead, they should be furious that they must die. This work done by Thomas is due to his own father’s condition. During this emotionally trying time, his emotions are reflected throughout the poem through symbolism, imagery, and setting. These devices allow for a more in-depth comprehension of the entire emotions of “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night.” Thomas’s use of symbolism encompasses most of his work, helping better illustrate what an individual may feel during …show more content…
There is not only one setting, but there are multiple settings portrayed. For example, seeing a sunset at the “close of day,” seeing waves crash against boats in a “green bay,” and gazing at metaphorical “[blazing] meteors” (lines 2, 8, 14). The reader is taken through the different scenes a man might wish to see instead of their impending death. The sunset at the end of a day describes the way the light is slowly fading from their life. While the waves of the “green bay” is used to illustrate the freedom they once had; just as the waves crash around recklessly, they once did, too (line 8). Finally, the streaking of “meteors” across the sky represents the bright futures and hopes they once had when they were younger. Although they cannot physically go back to their earlier times, reminiscing on their young past allows for them to escape the reality that is rapidly approaching them. By using fanciful settings and retrospect on the dying individual 's past life, Thomas is able to bring the reader to understand the internal struggle and sorrows of