Short Answer 
The poems “Do not go gentle into that good night” by Dylan Thomas and “An Irish Airman Foresees His Death” by Yeats both address death but from different angles; Yeats presents a peaceful acceptance while Thomas conveys urgency and resistance. The airman’s calm acceptance contrasts sharply with Thomas’s emotional plea to fight against death, highlighting the divergent attitudes toward mortality.
Step 1: Understand the Themes of Each Poem
The two poems, “Do not go gentle into that good night” by Dylan Thomas and “An Irish Airman Foresees His Death” by Yeats, tackle the subject of death but from contrasting perspectives. While Yeats portrays a sense of acceptance and balance, Thomas presents a more confrontational view. The core themes reflect differing attitudes towards mortality, which can significantly influence how each poem resonates with readers.
Step 2: Analyze the Irish Airman’s Perspective
In “An Irish Airman Foresees His Death,” the speaker reflects on his impending demise as a fighter pilot during WWI. Key elements include:
- The airman acknowledges that his sacrifice won’t improve his country’s fortune but is aimed at preserving lives.
- Parallelism is used to emphasize his conflicting thoughts.
- He feels no hatred towards his enemies and expresses a sense of peace in his last moments.
- The realization sets in that death is inevitable, leading to a calm acceptance.
Step 3: Explore the Urgent Tone of the Other Poem
Conversely, “Do not go gentle into that good night” presents a more urgent and desperate tone regarding death. Key points to note are:
- The speaker urges a dying individual to resist death fiercely, highlighting the struggle for life.
- The phrase “Rage, rage against the dying of the light” encapsulates the intense emotional plea.
- Unlike Yeats, Thomas depicts a lack of peace, emphasizing the fight against the inevitable.