Understanding the Role of 'They' in Dylan's 'Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night'

The poetic line, 'Though wise men at their end know dark is right because their words had forked no lightning they' from Dylan Thomas's Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night, 1 often requires recontextualization. Although it can be interpreted in varied and profound ways, it highlights a significant theme within the poem: the refusal of individuals to accept their mortality without making a substantial mark on the world. In this article, we will explore the meaning and significance of the word 'they', and discuss the broader thematic implications within the poem and its poetic techniques.

The Context of 'They'

When Thomas writes, 'Though wise men at their end know dark is right because their words had forked no lightning they', he is conjuring a picture of a person who, despite knowing the inevitability of their death, does not pass away peacefully. The word 'they' here refers to the subject of discussion: the individuals whom wise men are describing or addressing. So, the line can be interpreted as: “Even though a person knows that it is inevitably their time to die, they do not accept it calmly because they haven't yet accomplished something significant or left their mark on the world.” 1

The Connection to the Next Line

The full line, 'Do not go gentle into that good night.' These words are imperative, calling the individual to resist the natural order of aging and dying. The verb 'do' in this context is imperative: an instruction or suggestion to the reader. In the poem, this imperative form is directed at Thomas's father, but it can be generalized to apply to any individual who is facing the end of their life.

Enjambment and Structural Analysis

When a line runs into the next, it's known as enjambment. This poetic device helps in maintaining the flow and rhythm of the verse. In Dylan Thomas's villanelle, 'do not go gentle into that good night' is repeated as a refrain. The 'they' that precedes it in the poem provides a clear subject for the second line, creating a sense of continuity and emphasis.

Thematic Emphasis and Contrast

The use of 'they' also emphasizes the contrast between the wise men who understand the inevitability of death, and those who have not left a mark on the world. This contrast is heightened by the father’s character, portrayed as a solitary figure who tries to leave a significant impact on his world before his death. The repeated refrain 'do not go gentle into that good night' underscores the poem's theme of defiance and the refusal to accept one's own mortality without making a substantial contribution to life.

Conclusion

In summary, the word 'they' in the line 'Though wise men at their end know dark is right because their words had forked no lightning they' serves to identify the subject of the poem: the individuals who, despite knowing the inevitability of death, choose to resist it. The line exemplifies the broader thematic concerns of the poem, which celebrate the human will to make a mark in the world and to confront death with courage and defiance. The use of enjambment and the imperative form in the refrain also contribute to the poem's rhythmic and structural integrity.

References: 1. Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night