At the Altar-Rail by Thomas Hardy
The narrative unfolds with a groom anxiously awaiting his bride at the altar, only to receive a telegram indicating her absence. He reflects on their brief courtship, which began at a dance and quickly escalated to a proposal. The groom expresses regret over his decision to abandon the vibrant life of the city for the quieter existence of a farmer, believing he has misjudged his bride's true nature. As he grapples with his disappointment, the groom recalls the bride's initial enthusiasm and their shared dreams. However, her message reveals a stark contrast between their expectations. She values a life filled with excitement and freedom, suggesting that her true self is far removed from the domesticity he envisioned. The groom's realization of her discontent leads to a deeper understanding of their incompatibility. The poem explores themes of love, disillusionment, and the clash between romantic ideals and reality. The groom's internal conflict highlights the tension between societal expectations and personal desires. Ultimately, the work captures the poignant moment of unfulfilled dreams and the painful recognition of a relationship built on miscommunication and differing aspirations. The groom's lament serves as a reflection on the complexities of love and the often harsh truths that accompany it.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1894 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic Fiction, Drama · 187 words
First lines
"MY bride is not coming, alas! " says the groom, And the telegram shakes in his hand. "I own It was hurried! We met at a dancing-room When I went to the Cattle-Show alone, And then, next night, where the Fountain leaps, And the Street of the Quarter-Circle sweeps.
"Ay, she won me to ask her to be my wife- 'Twas foolish perhaps! -to forsake the ways Of the flaring town for a farmer's life. She agreed. And we fixed it. Now she says: ‘_It's sweet of you_, _dear_, _to prepare me a nest_, _But a swift_, _short_, _gay life suits me best_. _What I really am you have never gleaned_; _I had eaten the apple ere you were weaned_. "
What this Textopian page supports
At the Altar-Rail is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1894 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: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic Fiction, Drama, Literary Fiction, Tragedy
- Length: 187 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
- The Sacrilege by Thomas Hardy
- A Church Romance by Thomas Hardy
- Without Ceremony by Thomas Hardy
- The Noble Ladys Tale by Thomas Hardy
- Fallen Idols by Gilbert Parker
- A Wife And Another by Thomas Hardy
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Romantic Fiction — The plot revolves around themes of love, relationships, and emotional conflict.
- Drama — The narrative presents a dramatic situation involving personal and social tensions.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is introspective and focuses on character development and thematic depth.
Tags
love · sacrifice · faith · religion · marriage · conflict · society · morality · human nature · despair · redemption · tradition