Read or Listen to poem, Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night
Dylan Thomas once professed that he wanted to be “the drunkest man in the world.” This is not sound advice. Mr. Thomas died after a drinking binge at NYC’s White Horse Tavern. Thomas was infamous for his drinking, but lauded for his emotionally charged verse and dramatic readings. His most famous villanelle “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” is often quoted in many contemporary films due to the inspiring last quatrain in which Thomas directly addresses his dying father.
Instructions: First take notes on what you think about the author’s sentiment. What is the general emotion of this piece, what type of men are being addressed in each quatrain, and what comes to mind while reading it? Listen to live reading of this poem; check the links. After listening, consider how this alters certain aspects of the poem for you, or how hearing the poem changes your understanding and analysis.