At the War Office, London by Thomas Hardy
The work explores the somber realities of war and its impact on society, particularly focusing on the emotional toll of casualties reported in the press. It reflects on the disconnection between the public's perception of war and the personal grief experienced by those who lose loved ones. The narrative contrasts the indifference of the broader populace with the intimate suffering of families affected by the loss of soldiers. The speaker grapples with the idea of a world desensitized to violence, where the lists of the dead and wounded become mere statistics rather than poignant reminders of individual lives lost. The text critiques the societal acceptance of war as a necessary evil, highlighting the moral implications of such acceptance. As the speaker reflects on the past year, they express a sense of foreboding about the ongoing cycle of violence and the human cost associated with it. The work serves as a poignant commentary on the nature of conflict, the human condition, and the often-overlooked personal tragedies that accompany public declarations of honor and sacrifice. Through vivid imagery and a contemplative tone, the piece invites readers to confront the harsh realities of war, urging a deeper understanding of its consequences beyond the surface-level narratives often presented in media. The emotional weight of the text underscores the disconnect between the glorification of military endeavors and the profound sorrow experienced by those left behind.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1914 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Social Commentary · 126 words
First lines
(_Affixing the Lists of Killed and Wounded_: _December_, 1899)
I. LAST year I called this world of gain-givings / The darkest thinkable, and questioned sadly / If my own land could heave its pulse less gladly, / So charged it seemed with circumstance whence springs / The tragedy of things.
II. Yet at that censured time no heart was rent / Or feature blanched of parent, wife, or daughter / By hourly blazoned sheets of listed slaughter; / Death waited Nature's wont; Peace smiled unshent / From Ind to Occident.
What this Textopian page supports
At the War Office, London is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1914 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: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Social Commentary, Historical Literature, Tragedy
- Length: 126 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
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- Work identity for At the War Office, London by Thomas Hardy
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- War Literature — The themes revolve around the impact of war, specifically referencing casualties and the emotional toll.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal attitudes towards war and its consequences.
- Historical Literature — It reflects on a specific historical context, namely the events of the late 19th century.
Tags
war · office · London · military · government · administration · 19th century · British literature · historical · drama · conflict · society