God-Forgotten by Thomas Hardy (1917)
The narrative explores the relationship between humanity and a distant, indifferent deity. It begins with a speaker who ascends to the divine realm, seeking answers to the suffering experienced on Earth. The deity, however, expresses a lack of memory regarding the human world, suggesting that it was created and then forgotten due to its inherent flaws and failures. The speaker attempts to remind the deity of the Earth, emphasizing its existence and the pain of its inhabitants. The deity reflects on the creation of the Earth as a minor endeavor, one that lost its significance and interest over time. It acknowledges that while other celestial bodies maintain communication, humanity has severed its connection through its own actions, leading to a silence that has persisted. The deity expresses sorrow for the suffering endured by humans but maintains a stance of detachment, indicating that the pain of existence is a consequence of humanity's choices. The speaker grapples with the idea that divine intervention is not forthcoming, as the deity suggests that the inability to mend their plight is linked to a lack of understanding. The work delves into themes of existential despair, the search for meaning, and the complexities of faith. It raises questions about the nature of suffering, the responsibilities of creation, and the potential for redemption. Ultimately, it portrays a universe where the divine is both present and absent, leaving humanity to navigate its struggles in isolation.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious · 513 words
First lines
I TOWERED far, and lo! I stood within The presence of the Lord Most High, Sent thither by the sons of earth, to win Some answer to their cry.
-"The Earth, say'st thou? The Human race? By Me created? Sad its lot? Nay: I have no remembrance of such place: Such world I fashioned not. "-
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God-Forgotten is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious, Literary Fiction, Tragedy
- Length: 513 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions and the nature of divine indifference.
- Religious — The dialogue involves a conversation with a deity, addressing themes of faith and suffering.
- Literary Fiction — The work reflects on human experience and emotion through a literary lens.
Tags
faith · existentialism · despair · nature · rural life · human suffering · isolation · philosophy · morality · society · love · loss