Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night: Analyzing an Extended Metaphor

What is the effect of the extended metaphor in the passage?

It sustains the image of old age.

It sustains the comparison of night to day.

It sustains the comparison of death to night.

It sustains the image of night.

Answer:

I think it sustains the comparison of death and night.

The extended metaphor in the passage "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" by Dylan Thomas is a powerful literary device that enhances the overall meaning and tone of the poem. An extended metaphor is a comparison that is continued throughout a piece of writing, in this case, the comparison of death to night.

By likening death to night, Thomas is able to convey the sense of impending darkness and finality that comes with the end of life. The metaphor emphasizes the urgency and intensity of the speaker's plea for resistance against the inevitability of death. It also creates a vivid and haunting image of the struggle against mortality.

The repetition of the phrase "Do not go gentle into that good night" throughout the poem reinforces the theme of defiance and resistance in the face of death. The extended metaphor of death as night serves to sustain this central message and adds depth and emotional resonance to the poem.

In conclusion, the effect of the extended metaphor of death to night in the passage is to evoke a sense of urgency, defiance, and the inevitable darkness that accompanies the end of life. It enhances the imagery and emotional impact of the poem, making it a powerful exploration of mortality and the human experience.