Exeunt Omnes by Thomas Hardy (1903)
The work explores themes of absence, isolation, and the passage of time through the lens of a deserted fairground. The speaker reflects on the departure of the crowd, contrasting their vibrant presence with the ensuing emptiness. The imagery evokes a sense of desolation, as familiar spaces become unrecognizable and lifeless. The speaker's solitude amplifies the feeling of loss, as they ponder the fate of those who have left and the inevitability of following them into the obscurity of night. As the narrative unfolds, the speaker grapples with the transient nature of human experiences and connections. The fair, once a site of joy and community, transforms into a haunting reminder of what has been lost. The atmosphere is thick with melancholy, as the speaker confronts the stark reality of existence devoid of companionship. The fog symbolizes both physical and emotional barriers, obscuring the past and future. The work culminates in a poignant reflection on mortality and the cyclical nature of life. The speaker's journey into the night fog serves as a metaphor for the inevitable passage into the unknown, highlighting the universal experience of solitude and the search for meaning in a world that is constantly changing. The stark imagery and rhythmic structure reinforce the themes of transience and the human condition, leaving a lasting impression of introspection and existential contemplation.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Existentialism · 140 words
First lines
I. EVERYBODY else, then, going, And I still left where the fair was? . Much have I seen of neighbour loungers Making a lusty showing, Each now past all knowing.
II. There is an air of blankness In the street and the littered spaces; Thoroughfare, steeple, bridge and highway Wizen themselves to lankness; Kennels dribble dankness.
III. Folk all fade. And whither, As I wait alone where the fair was? Into the clammy and numbing night-fog Whence they entered hither. Soon do I follow thither!
What this Textopian page supports
Exeunt Omnes is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1903 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: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Existentialism, Romanticism, Modernism
- Length: 140 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of absence and reflection.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Existentialism — The themes explore existential questions about presence, absence, and the nature of existence.
- Romanticism — The focus on individual experience and emotional depth aligns with Romantic literary themes.
Tags
tragedy · drama · human condition · loss · mortality · society · relationships · conflict · despair · identity · fate · existentialism