Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th
century, exploring the individual's existence and the meaning of life. It
emphasizes the freedom and responsibility of individuals to make choices and
create their own meaning in an uncertain and often absurd world. When
discussing existentialism in relation to Dylan Thomas's poem "Fern
Hill" and Dylan Thomas's "Do not go gentle into that good
night," we can explore themes of time, mortality, and the human condition.
"Fern Hill" is a nostalgic and reflective poem that portrays
the passage of time and the loss of innocence. It explores the existential
theme of human existence in the face of an inevitable and uncontrollable force—time.
The speaker reminisces about his childhood experiences at Fern Hill, a rural
landscape filled with beauty and joy. However, as time progresses, the
innocence and joy of the speaker's youth fade away, giving way to a realization
of mortality and the transient nature of life.
In the context of existentialism, "Fern Hill" raises questions
about the meaning of life and the significance of human existence. The
speaker's longing for the past and the loss of innocence can be seen as an
expression of the human desire to find meaning and hold onto fleeting moments.
The poem suggests that the passage of time ultimately robs individuals of their
innocence and youthful vitality, leaving them to confront the existential
realities of aging, mortality, and the transience of existence.
Similarly, "Do not go gentle into that good night" explores
existential themes but in a different manner. The poem is a villanelle, a
highly structured form of poetry, and it addresses the universal topic of
death. The poem implores individuals to resist death and fight against its
inevitability, urging them to live fully until the end. It portrays various
characters, including wise men, good men, wild men, and grave men, who are
encouraged to rage against the dying of the light.
From an existentialist perspective, "Do not go gentle into that
good night" captures the existential struggle against the limits and
constraints of human existence. It emphasizes the importance of individual
choice, defiance, and the refusal to accept fate passively. The poem suggests
that individuals should strive to live authentically, resisting the despair and
resignation that can arise when faced with mortality. By raging against death,
the poem implies that individuals can assert their freedom and affirm their
existence in the face of the inevitable.
In both "Fern Hill" and "Do not go gentle into that good
night," existentialist themes of time, mortality, and the human condition
are explored. These poems highlight the tension between the desire for meaning
and the harsh realities of existence. They encourage reflection on the fleeting
nature of life, the choices individuals make, and the existential struggle to
find purpose and create meaning in an uncertain world.
