At Moonrise and Onwards
The work explores themes of nature, existence, and the interplay between human emotions and the natural world. The speaker reflects on a mysterious figure, personified as a feminine presence, who appears in the sky, evoking feelings of both intrigue and familiarity. This figure, initially perceived as a source of mischief, transforms into a more complex symbol, representing the duality of beauty and danger inherent in nature. As the narrative unfolds, the speaker contemplates the passage of time and the constancy of this ethereal presence, which has accompanied them through various life stages. The imagery of light and color, particularly the transition from fire to a yellow-green glow, signifies changes in perception and understanding. The speaker acknowledges a deep connection to this figure, suggesting that it embodies both personal and universal experiences. The work delves into the tension between the known and the unknown, as the speaker grapples with their feelings towards this enigmatic entity. The feminine shape, described as both alluring and elusive, symbolizes the complexities of desire, fear, and the inevitability of change. The speaker's reflections reveal a longing for clarity amidst the uncertainties of life, highlighting the interplay between human emotion and the natural world. Ultimately, the narrative serves as a meditation on the relationship between humanity and nature, emphasizing the profound impact of the natural world on personal identity and emotional experience. The speaker's journey is one of introspection, as they seek to understand their place within the larger tapestry of existence, guided by the ever-present, yet elusive, figure in the sky.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 205 words
First lines
I THOUGHT you a fire On Heron-Plantation Hill, Dealing out mischief the most dire To the chattels of men of hire There in their vill.
But by and by You turned a yellow-green, Like a large glow-worm in the sky; And then I could descry Your mood and mien.
How well I know Your furtive feminine shape! As if reluctantly you show You nude of cloud, and but by favour throw Aside its drape . . .
-How many a year Have you kept pace with me, Wan Woman of the waste up there, Behind a hedge, or the bare Bough of a tree!
What this Textopian page supports
At Moonrise and Onwards is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Nature Writing, Philosophical
- Length: 205 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on imagery and emotional expression.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, personal reflection, and emotional depth align with Romantic ideals.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Nature Writing — The vivid descriptions of the natural world and its influence on the speaker highlight the genre.
Tags
nature · romance · drama · poetry · Victorian · literature · melancholy · landscape · human emotion · time · memory · love