Exploring Different Perspectives on Death in Poetry
How do the excerpts from "An Irish Airman Foresees His Death" and "Do not go gentle into that good night" differ in their portrayal of death?
Comparison of the Concept of Death in the Poems
The excerpts from the poems "An Irish Airman Foresees His Death" and "Do not go gentle into that good night" offer contrasting perspectives on death.
The excerpt from "An Irish Airman Foresees His Death" by William Butler Yeats portrays an acceptance of death. The speaker acknowledges that they will meet their fate "Somewhere among the clouds above," implying a resigned attitude towards the inevitability of death.
On the other hand, the excerpt from "Do not go gentle into that good night" by Dylan Thomas urges against passivity towards death. The speaker encourages resistance and defiance, emphasizing the idea of raging against the dying of the light and not accepting death quietly.
While Yeats' poem suggests a sense of calm acceptance towards death, Thomas' poem advocates for a fighting spirit and a refusal to go gently into the night.
Further Analysis of the Poems
"An Irish Airman Foresees His Death" by W.B. Yeats:
In this poem, the speaker, who is presumably an Irish airman, reflects on the inevitability of his death while flying. The poem captures the paradoxical nature of death for the airman, who accepts his fate with a sense of tranquility and resolve. The airman's contemplation of death while soaring among the clouds symbolizes a peaceful resignation to the unknown.
"Do not go gentle into that good night" by Dylan Thomas:
This poem, on the other hand, vehemently opposes the idea of accepting death without a fight. Thomas implores his father to resist the inevitability of death and to fiercely confront its arrival. The repeated refrain of "Rage, rage against the dying of the light" amplifies the urgency and passion behind the speaker's plea for defiance in the face of mortality.
Overall, the contrast between these two poems underscores the varied ways in which individuals perceive and approach their own mortality. While Yeats emphasizes acceptance and tranquility in the face of death, Thomas champions a spirit of rebellion and resistance against the finality of life's end.