1. Dylan Thomas was famously a hard drinker, smoker, and philanderer. He also was known for his polished and dramatic renditions of his own works. Pretend you are Thomas and give a reading of “Do not go gentle into that good night.” You may use props (bow tie or scarf, cigarette—please don’t light it!) and mannerisms. To prepare, listen to Thomas read “Do not go gentle”.

2. Using the villanelle rhyme scheme, meter, and structure of “Do not go gentle into that good night,” write a poem that addresses an important human issue such as birth, love, friendship, hatred, loss of purpose, etc. As in Thomas’s poem, yours should include repeating lines. (Earn bravery points by reading your new poem aloud in class.)