A common motif in the poetry of this unit is death. How do the various poets address the element of death? How is death used as a motif? Use examples from at least two of the poems studied to show how death is expressed as a motif throughout these pieces of literature. Use the following list to recall the poems studied in this unit.
- "Do not go gentle into that good night" by Dylan Thomas
- "Because I could not stop for Death" by Emily Dickinson
- "There's a certain Slant of light" by Emily Dickinson
In the poems studied in this unit, death is addressed in various ways by the poets. In Dylan Thomas' "Do not go gentle into that good night," death is portrayed as a force to be reckoned with, something to be fought against. The poet urges his father to resist death and fight for his life, using bold and powerful language to convey his message.
On the other hand, in Emily Dickinson's "Because I could not stop for Death," death is personified as a gentle escort, inviting the speaker to a peaceful journey towards eternity. The poet presents death as a natural part of life, something to be accepted and embraced rather than feared.
In both poems, death is used as a motif to explore larger themes of life, mortality, and the human experience. The poets use death to reflect on the fragility of life, the inevitability of death, and the eternal nature of the human spirit.
For example, in "Do not go gentle into that good night," Thomas writes:
"Rage, rage against the dying of the light."
This line emphasizes the poet's plea to his father to resist death and continue fighting for his life, highlighting the fierce and defiant nature of his message.
Similarly, in "Because I could not stop for Death," Dickinson writes:
"Because I could not stop for Death –
He kindly stopped for me –
The Carriage held but just Ourselves –
And Immortality."
This stanza showcases the poet's acceptance of death as a gentle companion, guiding her towards the afterlife and immortality. By using death as a motif in these poems, the poets delve into the complex and timeless themes of life and death, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.