An Old Likeness by Thomas Hardy
The narrative explores themes of memory, loss, and the enduring impact of past relationships. The speaker reflects on a significant figure from their past, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing. The recollection is triggered by a chance encounter with a portrait of this person, which stirs deep emotions and memories of their shared experiences, including laughter and creativity. As the speaker grapples with the passage of time, they confront the stark reality of the subject's death, yet the emotional connection remains vivid. The act of kissing the portrait symbolizes a yearning for the past and a desire to reconnect with lost love. The juxtaposition of the vibrant memories against the backdrop of grief highlights the complexity of human emotions and the way love can transcend time and mortality. The work delves into the interplay between memory and reality, illustrating how the past can resurface unexpectedly, bringing both joy and sorrow. The speaker's reflections serve as a meditation on the nature of love, the inevitability of change, and the ways in which individuals cope with loss. Ultimately, the piece captures the bittersweet essence of reminiscence, revealing how the echoes of past relationships continue to shape one's identity and emotional landscape.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 281 words
First lines
(RECALLING R. T.)
WHO would have thought That, not having missed her Talks, tears, laughter In absence, or sought To recall for so long Her gamut of song; Or ever to waft her Signal of aught That she, fancy-fanned, Would well understand, I should have kissed her Picture when scanned Yawning years after!
Yet, seeing her poor Dim-outlined form Chancewise at night-time, Some old allure Came on me, warm, Fresh, pleadful, pure, As in that bright time At a far season Of love and unreason, And took me by storm Here in this blight-time!
What this Textopian page supports
An Old Likeness is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1912 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Thomas Hardy
- Date: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Elegy, Victorian Literature
- Length: 281 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Romanticism — Themes of nostalgia, love, and emotional depth reflect Romantic ideals.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Elegy — The work reflects on loss and remembrance, typical of elegiac themes.
Tags
nostalgia · memory · identity · rural life · social change · human relationships · love · loss · regret · time · nature · class struggle