Poetry Thomas Hardy – “During Wind And Rain”, “The Voice” and “At Castle Boterel” Essay Example
This composition will focus on three melancholic poems by Thomas Hardy penned during the late 1800s and early 1900s, towards the end of his life. The poems share common themes, and their somber tone unites them seamlessly.
During a difficult period in Thomas Hardy's life, his poems captured his mood and emotions. The absence of positivity in the poems indicates a sense of depression. However, they provide valuable insight into the social, cultural, and historical context of that time. Hardy aimed to depict his personal experiences and the past he lived through, highlighting the differences between then and now. In "During Wind And Rain," for example, families are portrayed as engaging in activities together - a contrast to modern times.
The text suggests that in the past, people were less stressed about moving house comp
...ared to today. This is reflected in the expression "They change to a high new house". Additionally, the use of candles for lighting, as described by "With candles mooning each face", shows a contrast to modern times where electricity is used.
One quote mentions that in the past, people sat together for breakfast but nowadays individuals tend to eat on the go. Another poem, "The Voice," reflects society's past obsession with supernatural phenomena. The eerie poem depicts a woman calling from beyond the grave, asking, "Can it be you that I hear?" Language such as "Wind oozing this" and "heard no more" contribute to the haunting tone. Finally, "At Castle Boterel" reminisces a place and person from the past - recalling fond memories that turn bittersweet with the realization that he must leave. It's as though the speaker must travel bac
in time before he passes away.
The poem blends past and future thoughts and emotions, with present feelings merging into previous ones. Its overarching message is that unstoppable time is cruel, rendering happy times of the past unattainable and beyond our control.
Thomas Hardy's works convey a common theme about his emotions towards the end of his life, despite their distinct styles. The poems all address the inevitable changes that come with aging. "During Wind And Rain" stands out as the most impactful due to its melancholic tone, which emphasizes the sharp contrast between past and present experiences. The poem reflects on a joyful time before confronting the harsh reality that those moments are now only memories.
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