Short Answer
The poem “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” features key refrains that emphasize its themes of defiance against death, specifically “Do not go gentle into that good night” and “Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” This villanelle structure, with its strict rhyme scheme and repetitive lines, enhances the emotional intensity and significance of the speaker’s plea.
Identify the Refrains
In poetry, a refrain refers to lines that are repeated at intervals throughout the poem. In Dylan Thomas’s poem “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night,” the refrains are crucial to its thematic structure. The specific refrains from the poem are:
- Do not go gentle into that good night;
- Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Understand the Structure of the Villanelle
The poem is categorized as a villanelle, which is a fixed-form poetic structure consisting of five tercets followed by a quatrain. This form is known for its strict rhyme scheme (ABA) and the repetition of the refrains. Recognizing the structure helps to appreciate how the refrains function to convey the poem’s emotional intensity.
Explore the Significance of the Refrains
The repeated lines serve as a powerful reminder of the poem’s central themes: defiance against death and the struggle to preserve life. Each occurrence of the refrains reinforces the urgency and complexity of the speaker’s plea. By exploring these lines, readers can grasp the deeper meaning and emotional weight behind the poem.