Analysis of Thomas Hardy's The Darkling Thrush
In Thomas Hardy's poem "The Darkling Thrush," there is a profound sense of sadness and despair that is reflected in its title.
Despite its unhappiness, this poem showcases Hardy's remarkable talent. With a rhyme scheme of abab, it is a lyrical composition written in iambic pentameter and divided into quatrains, delving into the theme of a faithless existence.
Hardy starts his poem by describing the bleak winter setting. The coldness and darkness create a sense of loneliness, making anyone prefer staying indoors. The external environment, including the sky and frost, appears unappealing and adds to the overall depressing atmosphere. As he continues discussing the setting, Hardy shifts the focus to his thoughts evoked by it.
Feeling surrounded by lifelessness and hearing the wind's mournful sound, he perceived the world as once animated b
...ut now diminished and aged. He believed others shared this sentiment, yet he still experienced a sense of isolation. However, unexpectedly, a voice resonated from above.
At that moment, everything unpleasant transformed into something lovely. All those who he believed perceived the world as lifeless, now were experiencing it for a second time. Everything was positive, and everyone was content. However, Hardy remained unchanged.
Instead of finding beauty in things, he saw a worsening situation and lost his belief in happiness. The things that appeared unattractive held little significance to him. He felt an increased sense of fear and loneliness. In contrast, the atmosphere appeared joyful and filled everyone with hope.
Hardy's bleak and despairing outlook remained unchanged. It is undeniable that this poem holds varied interpretations for individuals, but there is a consensus on its melancholic tone.
This somber disposition was a recurring feature in the majority of Hardy's poems, which ultimately contributed to their masterpiece status. Despite receiving mixed feedback, these dark and seemingly hopeless creations laid the groundwork for his exceptional writing prowess during his brief career as a poet.
- Book Summary essays
- Metaphor essays
- Reader essays
- Rhyme essays
- Literary devices essays
- Villain essays
- Books essays
- Genre essays
- Literary Criticism essays
- Writer essays
- Protagonist essays
- Simile essays
- Poem essays
- Book Report essays
- Book Review essays
- Greek Mythology essays
- Plot essays
- Tragic Hero essays
- Coming of Age essays
- Play essays
- Rhetoric essays
- Rhetorical Question essays
- Translation essays
- Understanding essays
- Reason essays
- Character essays
- Letter essays
- American Literature essays
- Literature Review essays
- Utopia essays
- Poetry Analysis essays
- Dante's Inferno essays
- Between The World and Me essays
- Incidents in The Life of a Slave Girl essays
- Flowers for Algernon essays
- Myth essays
- Everyday Use essays
- Boo Radley essays
- Genesis essays
- Richard iii essays
- Alice in Wonderland essays
- On the road essays
- Ozymandias essays
- The Nightingale essays
- Holden Caulfield essays
- Animal Farm essays
- 1984 essays
- A Hanging essays
- Shooting An Elephant essays
- A Tale Of Two Cities essays
