In Dylan Thomas’s poem ‘Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night,’ allusion plays a significant role in enhancing the poem’s themes and emotional depth. Thomas references various archetypes of men who face death, including wise men, good men, wild men, and grave men. These allusions serve to create a universal sense of the struggle against mortality.
Throughout the poem, the allusions to these types of men illustrate how different individuals react to the inevitability of death. For instance, wise men who know death is unavoidable still fight against it because they have not made a significant impact, while good men lament that their words could have made a difference. This showcases the human tendency to resist the end, regardless of one’s life choices or achievements.
Additionally, the poem alludes to the concept of the ‘night’ as a metaphor for death, a common theme in poetry. By personifying death as a force to be fought against, Thomas invokes a primal instinct present in all humans: the will to live and the desire to leave a legacy.
In essence, the allusions in ‘Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night’ reinforce the poem’s central message: that life should be fiercely defended against the encroaching darkness of death. Through these references, Thomas connects the personal struggle of his own father with the broader human experience, making the poem resonate on multiple levels.