close
test_template

Comparison of Dylan Thomas’, Do not Go Gentle into that Good Night Poem and A.e Housman’s to an Athlete Dying Young, Based on The Dying Light Theme

Human-Written
download print

About this sample

About this sample

close
Human-Written

Words: 353 |

Page: 1|

2 min read

Published: Dec 12, 2018

Words: 353|Page: 1|2 min read

Published: Dec 12, 2018

Explication of Poetry

In “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night”, Dylan Thomas is encouraging the reader to fight death when it comes, stating that men should “rage against the dying of the light” (Line 9). He is speaking generally at first, referencing several different types of men and how they handle death when it approaches. Collectively, Thomas is stating that men as a whole do not welcome death with open arms; rather, they “rage” against it. This poem discusses the theme of “dying light” mainly in lines 1-3: “Do not go gentle into that good night, / Old age should burn and rave at the close of day; / Rage, rage against the dying of the light” (Lines 1-3).

In “To an Athlete Dying Young”, A. E. Housman writes about a young athlete who died before his time. He begins by reflecting on a time when the athlete won races and the town carried him home on their shoulders. He then shifts back to the present; the town is burying the athlete. Housman continues on to say that it is better that the athlete died young, so that he didn’t see his records being broken or experience his glory being lost. The theme of “dying light” is prevalent mainly in the fourth stanza:

Eyes the shady night has shut

Cannot see the record cut,

And silence sounds no worse than cheers

After earth has stopped the ears; (“To an Athlete Dying Young”, 13-16)

Housman is saying that eyes that death has shut cannot see records broken; this reiterates the idea that the athlete’s death benefited him somehow.

Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.

While both “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night” and “To an Athlete Dying Young” both revolve around the theme of dying light, Thomas better develops the theme. Thomas spends the entirety of his poem urging the reader to rage against death, and he gives examples of all different types of men doing so. Housman is more focused on how the athlete’s death has a silver lining, rather than the dying of the light in particular.

Image of Dr. Charlotte Jacobson
This essay was reviewed by
Dr. Charlotte Jacobson

Cite this Essay

Comparison of Dylan Thomas’, Do not Go Gentle into that Good Night Poem and A.e Housman’s to an Athlete Dying Young, Based on the Dying Light Theme. (2018, December 11). GradesFixer. Retrieved November 13, 2024, from https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/comparison-of-dylan-thomas-do-not-go-gentle-into-that-good-night-poem-and-a-e-housmans-to-an-athlete-dying-young-based-on-the-dying-light-theme/
“Comparison of Dylan Thomas’, Do not Go Gentle into that Good Night Poem and A.e Housman’s to an Athlete Dying Young, Based on the Dying Light Theme.” GradesFixer, 11 Dec. 2018, gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/comparison-of-dylan-thomas-do-not-go-gentle-into-that-good-night-poem-and-a-e-housmans-to-an-athlete-dying-young-based-on-the-dying-light-theme/
Comparison of Dylan Thomas’, Do not Go Gentle into that Good Night Poem and A.e Housman’s to an Athlete Dying Young, Based on the Dying Light Theme. [online]. Available at: <https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/comparison-of-dylan-thomas-do-not-go-gentle-into-that-good-night-poem-and-a-e-housmans-to-an-athlete-dying-young-based-on-the-dying-light-theme/> [Accessed 13 Nov. 2024].
Comparison of Dylan Thomas’, Do not Go Gentle into that Good Night Poem and A.e Housman’s to an Athlete Dying Young, Based on the Dying Light Theme [Internet]. GradesFixer. 2018 Dec 11 [cited 2024 Nov 13]. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/comparison-of-dylan-thomas-do-not-go-gentle-into-that-good-night-poem-and-a-e-housmans-to-an-athlete-dying-young-based-on-the-dying-light-theme/
copy
Keep in mind: This sample was shared by another student.
  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours
Write my essay

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

close

Where do you want us to send this sample?

    By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

    close

    Be careful. This essay is not unique

    This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

    Download this Sample

    Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

    close

    Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

    close

    Thanks!

    Please check your inbox.

    We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

    clock-banner-side

    Get Your
    Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

    exit-popup-close
    We can help you get a better grade and deliver your task on time!
    • Instructions Followed To The Letter
    • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
    • Unique And Plagiarism Free
    Order your paper now