The poem was written for the poet’s dying father, telling him to fight against death. Stanza 1 – 5: He talks about different kinds of people and what they do to fight against dying. Stanza 6: He addresses his father directly. The poem was written for the poet’s dying father, telling him to fight against death. Stanza 1 – 5: He talks about different kinds of people and what they do to fight against dying. Stanza 6: He addresses his father directly.
Do not give into death! Fight it! ‘good night’ ‘close of day’ and ‘dying of the light’ = metaphors and euphemisms for ‘death’ Do not give into death! Fight it! ‘good night’ ‘close of day’ and ‘dying of the light’ = metaphors and euphemisms for ‘death’ Even the old should still be full of life; Fight against death! Even the old should still be full of life; Fight against death!
Even though wise men (when they are dying) know that death is just another part of life they fight against death because they feel that they have not done enough to be remembered.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, Good men, feeling that they may not have done enough in life... Rage, rage against the dying of the light....fight against death. ‘green bay’ = A storm on the ocean = the chaos of life...fight against death. ‘green bay’ = A storm on the ocean = the chaos of life
Men who had just a little too much fun in their lives......and learn too late that they helped death along, still fight against dying.
Old and serious men who are close to death realize too late... (‘blinding sight’ is an oxymoron.) Old and serious men who are close to death realize too late... (‘blinding sight’ is an oxymoron.)...that even in old age one can still live and enjoy life / that they could have enjoyed life more, so they fight against death.
“And you father, there on your dying bed, Curse or bless me, but please open your eyes.” “And you father, there on your dying bed, Curse or bless me, but please open your eyes.” “Don’t give into death! Fight against it!”