Introduction
Literature raises a large number of different topics that are relevant to people’s lives. However, the topic of life becomes especially difficult and exciting for many. In many cases, it affects the most vulnerable parts of the human soul and causes complex emotions that not everyone is ready to accept. In the poem by Dylan Thomas titled “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” and John Milton’s “When I Consider How My Light Is Spent,” the topic of loss of some part of their life or life itself is raised, which every person must face at some point. The study of this topic will provide an opportunity to realize the different perspectives that are presented in the poems regarding the end of life and loss of purpose.
Dylan Thomas’s Poem
Loss is a part of human life that cannot be escaped and is inevitable. For many, these thoughts are intimidating and frightening, as few people can accept them. In Dylan Thomas’s poem “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night,” the author calls for resisting the inevitable. Touching on the topic of the end of life and fading away, he says that people need to find rage and rebel against the general idea that a person should give up.
Hence, he points out, “Though wise men at their end know dark is right/Because their words had forked no lightning” (Thomas lines 4-5). Through these words, the author emphasizes that it is not necessary to refer to the words of past generations who unquestioningly accepted the inevitable. Instead, the author calls for “Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight/ Rage, rage against the dying of the light” (Thomas lines 13-14). This shows a strong desire for freedom and a fervent call to resist fading away.
John Milton’s Poem
On the other hand, an excellent perspective on loss and extinction is presented in the poem by John Milton, “When I Consider How My Light Is Spent.” In this poem, attention is paid to such an aspect as the complex relationship between individual purpose and divine will. It, unlike Thomas’s poem, begins in a more pessimistic mood. The author says, “One talent which is death to hide/ Lodged with me useless” (Milton lines 2-3).
At the same time, he asks a question about divine will, to which he receives an answer that for God, everyone is equal. The poem indicates, “God doth not need/Either man’s work or his own gifts” (Milton lines 9-10). Therefore, the author comes to the revelation that despite all the efforts that individuals make to achieve the divine purpose, in the end, everyone is equal to him. The most important thing is following his word and adherence to faith.
Conclusion
Both poems, despite the seemingly excellent prospects, masterfully touch on the topic of loss. It can concern both the loss of life and the loss of purpose and awareness of more valuable concepts. Similar is the fact that both works focus on grappling with the inevitability of loss, which people may encounter at one time or another in their lives. At the same time, Thomas calls for opposing the blind repentance of events and gaining rage to rebel against him. Milton pays more attention to the acceptance and awareness of the fundamental purpose of man and the role of God and his divine will in it.
Works Cited
Milton, John. “When I Consider How My Light is Spent.” The Norton Anthology of English Literature, edited by Stephen Greenblatt, W. W. Norton & Company, 2018.
Thomas, Dylan. “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night.” The Norton Anthology of English Literature, edited by Stephen Greenblatt, W. W. Norton & Company, 2018.