Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

Analysis of:
“Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night”
Dylan Thomas


Author Entry:
Dylan Thomas was born in Wales in the year 1914. He is best known for his first three poetic works, Eighteen Poems (1934), Twenty-five Poems (1934), and The Map of Love (1939). Thomas also wrote several works that were somewhat autobiographical. He has been praised for his imagery in his writing, using vividly dreamlike representations to convey his message. During the War years, Thomas wrote several volumes through his childhood eyes, which emphasized his religious principles. Dylan Thomas passed away at the age of 39, a month after completing his last work Under Milk Wood, a vocal play.

Theme:
The theme of this poem involves one’s attitude in old age, when they are approaching death. The message is that although death is natural and inevitable it can seduce people, making them spend their last days waiting to die rather than trying to live.

Analysis:
In “Do Not Go G...