He Fears his Good Fortune
The narrative explores the internal conflict of a man who experiences a period of extraordinary happiness and good fortune. He reflects on the beauty and richness of his life, characterized by vibrant mornings and golden evenings, which evoke a sense of wonder and gratitude. However, this joy is tinged with anxiety and foreboding. The protagonist feels unworthy of such blessings, believing that his good fortune is too perfect to last. He anticipates an inevitable downfall, convinced that the intensity of his happiness will lead to a catastrophic end. As the story unfolds, the protagonist grapples with his fears and the weight of his good fortune. He acknowledges the sweetness of his experiences but remains haunted by the belief that they are fleeting. This tension between enjoying the present and fearing the future creates a poignant emotional landscape. The protagonist's serenity in accepting the potential for loss reflects a deeper philosophical contemplation on the nature of happiness and the human condition. Ultimately, the narrative culminates in the realization that the anticipated crash does indeed come, reinforcing the protagonist's fears. The work delves into themes of transience, the paradox of happiness, and the inevitability of change, illustrating how moments of joy can be shadowed by the dread of their impermanence. The protagonist's journey serves as a meditation on the complexities of fortune and the human psyche's response to both joy and despair.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical · 188 words
First lines
THERE was a glorious time At an epoch of my prime; Mornings beryl-bespread, And evenings golden-red; Nothing gray: And in my heart I said, "However this chanced to be, It is too full for me, Too rare, too rapturous, rash, Its spell must close with a crash Some day!"
The radiance went on Anon and yet anon, And sweetness fell around Like manna on the ground. "I've no claim," Said I, "to be thus crowned: I am not worthy this: - Must it not go amiss? - Well. let the end foreseen Come duly! -I am serene. " -And it came.
What this Textopian page supports
He Fears his Good Fortune is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1888 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: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical, Literary Fiction, Tragedy
- Length: 188 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of beauty, nature, and emotional depth align with Romantic ideals.
- Philosophical — The exploration of fate, fortune, and existential reflection indicates philosophical themes.
- Literary Fiction — The focus on character introspection and thematic depth categorizes it as literary fiction.
Tags
fate · fortune · tragedy · human nature · society · class struggle · love · despair · conflict · destiny · psychological · realism