A Comparative Literary Analysis
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Nov 24, 2024
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A Comparative Literary Analysis
of “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" and "Psalm
of Life"
Understanding a work's core meanings and concepts requires literary analysis, which is
the act of dissecting a work. Dylan Thomas' "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" and
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Psalm of Life" are two poems that will be compared and
contrasted in this essay. Both poems deal with similar concepts of death and the afterlife, but in
very different ways.
Thesis -
The literary works of Dylan Thomas and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow both include the
theme of death; however, their respective tones, use of imagery, and perspectives on life and
death exhibit stark dissimilarities.
In his poem, Dylan Thomas fervently implores his audience to confront the inevitability
of death directly, using a passionate and resentful tone. The written work exhibits a discernible
manifestation of the author's spiritual inclination. The rendition of Henry Wadsworth
Longfellow, on the other hand, has a positive and didactic tone. The author urges readers to
capitalize on their current circumstances using available resources. The optimistic tone of the
poem might be attributed to Longfellow's perception of life as a journey filled with opportunities
for growth and success. The numerous emotional states depicted in the poems manifest the poets'
differing perspectives on the nature of mankind.
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Dylan Thomas has garnered recognition for the abundant use of vivid imagery and
empathetic syntax in his literary works. The lexical choices used by the individual, such as
"rage" and "blinding sight," effectively communicate a heightened state of urgency and a resolute
resistance when confronted with mortality. A sincere sense of interest drives these observations.
In contrast, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's literary works tended to be more optimistic. The
speaker's recurring expressions, such as "Be a hero in the struggle" and "Act in the Living
Present," motivate his audience to seize the opportunities presented to them. According to
Longfellow, changing oneself is the first step toward changing the world.
Dylan Thomas wrote in the villanelle form, but he stood out for his meticulous word
choice and repeated themes. He used the phrase "Do not go gentle into that good night" multiple
times to drive home how grave his remarks were. The refrain's rhythmic recurrence emphasizes
the speaker's will to defeat death. The poem's formal style mirrors the resolute attitude it
conveys. The poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow stands out for its formality and structure.
The poem has a stanzaic structure, and its phrases are clear and illuminating. The formal
language supports Longfellow's positive and uplifting message. The presentation's structure and
content emphasize how important forethought and initiative are. More than that, Dylan Thomas
portrays himself as a fascinating person who encourages readers to choose life over death. The
speaker's conviction stems from their personal involvement in the subject matter. On the other
hand, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow focuses on the universality of the human condition through
the eyes of an elderly sage. The reader may consider Longfellow a role model and turn to him or
her for guidance and motivation. This reading emphasizes the poem's didactic goal to inspire and
teach its audience.
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Dylan Thomas's use of the villanelle's reiterative structure emphasized the speaker's
determination and sense of urgency. The poem's reiterative style emphasizes the theme of
defiance in the face of death. The widespread usage of the word amplifies its impact. In contrast,
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's is neatly structured into metrical stanzas that develop from one
another. The well-structured style of the poem mirrors its all-encompassing and enlightening
worldview. The neat structure of the poem emphasizes the importance of planning and seeing
that plan through.
Dylan Thomas's vivid imagery, such as "Blind eyes could blaze like meteors," illustrates
his message that youthful vitality and fervor can be maintained into old age. The creator aimed
for an emotional response and the creation of concrete mental imagery. In contrast, "Psalm of
Life" uses poetic language to compare one's life to a battlefield and encourages the reader to
make "footprints on the sands of time." Longfellow often used metaphor to encourage his readers
to make their lives count, make an impact, and live with meaning.
In term of The Dramatic Context, a poem by Dylan Thomas, can be seen as a reaction to
the overall context of death in his day and a reflection of the poet's troubles. It eloquently
portrays the common human experience of coming to terms with death. On the other hand,
Longfellow's "Psalm of Life" brilliantly captures the optimistic spirit of the American
Transcendentalists. This movement advocated for self-awareness, independence, and social
change. The poem encourages readers to seize the day and change the world through its
philosophical tone.
The comparison of Dylan Thomas's "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" and
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Psalm of Life," which gave us a more comprehensive
understanding of how these poets develop their themes of life and death, looked at tone, diction,
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syntax, authorial point of view, structure, imagery, and dramatic context. Dylan Thomas's
impassioned and emotive tone emphasizes the call to defiance and fight in the face of death. On
the other hand, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow encourages readers to actively engage in shaping
their own destinies by fostering a positive and educational outlook on life. These two poems
present fascinating insights on the search for meaning in life via their investigation of human
nature and the paths we take to find it.