Embarcation by Thomas Hardy (1912)
The narrative unfolds at Southampton Docks in October 1899, a site steeped in historical significance where legions and armies have embarked for conquest. The poem reflects on the cyclical nature of war, highlighting the contrast between the past and the present. Soldiers, depicted as vibrant and full of life, prepare to depart for an uncertain future, embodying the same martial spirit that has characterized human conflict throughout history. As the troops march towards the sea, the poem captures the poignant farewell of their loved ones. Wives, sisters, and parents wave goodbye, their smiles masking the underlying sorrow of impending loss. This duality of emotion—pride in their loved ones' bravery and grief for the potential consequences of war—underscores the human cost of military endeavors. The work critiques the notion of progress in society, suggesting that despite advancements in thought and governance, the propensity for violence remains unchanged. The soldiers' confidence in their cause contrasts sharply with the tragic fate that awaits them, emphasizing the disconnect between the glorification of war and its brutal realities. The imagery evokes a sense of inevitability, as the soldiers embark on a journey that is both heroic and tragic. The poem serves as a meditation on the nature of conflict, the sacrifices made by individuals, and the enduring impact of war on families and society. Through its exploration of these themes, the work invites reflection on the complexities of human ambition and the often-overlooked emotional toll of warfare.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, War Literature · 173 words
First lines
(_Southampton Docks_: _October_, 1899)
HERE, where Vespasian's legions struck the sands, / And Cerdic with his Saxons entered in, / And Henry's army leapt afloat to win / Convincing triumphs over neighbour lands,
Vaster battalions press for further strands, / To argue in the self-same bloody mode / Which this late age of thought, and pact, and code, / Still fails to mend. -Now deckward tramp the bands, / Yellow as autumn leaves, alive as spring; / And as each host draws out upon the sea / Beyond which lies the tragical To-be, / None dubious of the cause, none murmuring,
Wives, sisters, parents, wave white hands and smile, / As if they knew not that they weep the while.
What this Textopian page supports
Embarcation 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, Historical, War Literature, Literary Fiction, Philosophical
- Length: 173 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Embarcation by Thomas Hardy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Similar titles
- On The Way by Thomas Hardy
- Departure by Thomas Hardy
- The Reluctant Voyagers by Stephen Crane
- Diverging Roads by Rose Wilder Lane
- The Explorer by Rudyard Kipling
- The Mary Gloster by Rudyard Kipling
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Historical — It references historical events and figures, reflecting on the past.
- War Literature — The themes revolve around military mobilization and the emotional impact of war.
- Literary Fiction — It explores complex themes and human emotions through a nuanced narrative.
Tags
journey · departure · identity · self-discovery · conflict · relationships · society · isolation · nature · destiny · transformation · hope