Which statement best describes the effect of the repetition of …

English Questions

Read the excerpt from “Do not go gentle into that good night.” Though wise men at their end know dark is right, Because their words had forked no lightning they Do not go gentle into that good night. Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, Do not go gentle into that good night. Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Which statement best describes the effect of the repetition of “men√¢¬Ä¬ù preceded by an adjective? It reinforces the idea that all people, not just the speaker’s father, should fight against death. It emphasizes that all men, no matter what their lives have been like, should accept death when it comes. It supports the speaker’s idea of an eternal life after death for people of all walks of life. It highlights the speaker’s grief at being unable to come to his dying father’s bedside.

Short Answer

The repetition of “men” in Dylan Thomas’s poem underscores the universal struggle against death, emphasizing collective resistance. The speaker’s emotional turmoil reflects the interplay of joy and despair, conveying a powerful message urging individuals to fiercely resist passivity in the face of mortality.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understand the Significance of Repetition

The repetition of the term “men” in the poem serves a crucial purpose. It highlights the universality of the struggle against death, implying that this fight is relevant to everyone, not just the speaker’s father. This repetition emphasizes a collective resistance and creates a strong emotional resonance throughout the piece.

Step 2: Analyze the Context of the Excerpt

In Dylan Thomas’s poem “Do not go gentle into that good night”, the speaker expresses deep emotional turmoil while confronting the death of a loved one. The excerpt reveals a movement between feelings of happiness and despair. This fluctuation underscores the intensity of grief and the desire to find meaning in a painful situation.

Step 3: Interpret the Overall Message

The overarching message conveyed through the repetition and contextual exploration is a call to action. The speaker urges all individuals to resist passivity in the face of death. The poem advocates for a fierce fight against the end of life, encouraging a spirit of defiance and determination that transcends individual experiences.

Related Concepts

Repetition

The act of repeating a word or phrase to emphasize a concept or theme, often used to create emotional impact or to reinforce the universality of an idea

Context

The circumstances or background information surrounding a literary work that helps to clarify its meaning and significance, including emotional undertones and situational factors

Overall Message

The main idea or theme that an author seeks to communicate through their work, which often encapsulates broader human experiences or calls to action.

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