Cry of the Homeless after the Prussian Invasion
The poem presents a powerful lament from the perspective of the homeless and suffering, addressing the instigator of their plight, presumably a conqueror or ruler responsible for their misery. It opens with a direct confrontation, invoking the voice of the victims who have been ravaged by war and oppression. The tone is accusatory, expressing a grim acknowledgment of the conqueror's power while simultaneously cursing them for the suffering inflicted upon innocents. The speaker articulates a collective cry from various places—cities, shores, and fields—emphasizing the widespread nature of the devastation. The repeated phrase "All hail" is laden with irony, as it transforms a traditional greeting into a bitter condemnation. The victims express a desire for the conqueror's loved ones to experience similar suffering, highlighting the deep resentment and desire for retribution. As the poem progresses, the speaker escalates the curse, wishing for the conqueror to be haunted by the very compassion they lack, suggesting that true empathy should be a source of torment for them. The imagery of death and darkness serves to underline the finality of their suffering and the hope that the oppressor will one day face the consequences of their actions. Overall, the work encapsulates themes of suffering, injustice, and the desire for accountability, using stark language and vivid imagery to convey the emotional weight of the homeless and dispossessed in the wake of conflict. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the moral responsibilities of those in power.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1914 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction · 217 words
First lines
"INSTIGATOR of the ruin- / Whichsoever thou mayst be / Of the masterful of Europe / That contrived our misery- / Hear the wormwood-worded greeting / From each city, shore, and lea / Of thy victims: / "Conqueror, all hail to thee!"
"Yea: ‘All hail! ' we grimly shout thee / That wast author, fount, and head / Of these wounds, whoever proven / When our times are throughly read. / ‘May thy loved be slighted, blighted, / And forsaken,' be it said / By thy victims, / ‘And thy children beg their bread!'
What this Textopian page supports
Cry of the Homeless after the Prussian Invasion of Belgium 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, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction, Tragedy, Political Literature
- Length: 217 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Cry of the Homeless after the Prussian Invasion of Belgium by Thomas Hardy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Social Commentary — The themes address societal issues, particularly the plight of the homeless and the consequences of war.
- Historical Fiction — The context involves a historical event, the Prussian invasion, influencing the narrative.
- Tragedy — The tone and themes reflect suffering and despair, characteristic of tragic literature.
Tags
homelessness · war · invasion · Belgium · Prussia · suffering · displacement · refugees · social justice · historical fiction · grief · survival