He Prefers her Earthly
The poem explores themes of love, loss, and the tension between earthly existence and transcendence. The speaker reflects on the beauty of a sunset, contemplating the transformation of a beloved into a celestial being. This transformation evokes a sense of longing and sorrow, as the speaker prefers the beloved's earthly form, which is familiar and cherished. The imagery of the sunset symbolizes both the beauty of life and the inevitability of change. The speaker grapples with the idea of the beloved ascending to a higher state, feeling that such a change would distance them from the intimate connection they once shared. The emotional core of the work lies in the speaker's desire to retain the memory of the beloved as they were, rather than as an ethereal entity. The juxtaposition of the sublime and the mundane highlights the complexities of human relationships and the pain of separation. Ultimately, the poem captures the struggle between accepting change and clinging to the past, emphasizing the enduring nature of love despite the passage of time and transformation.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical · 163 words
First lines
THIS after-sunset is a sight for seeing, Cliff-heads of craggy cloud surrounding it. -And dwell you in that glory-show? You may; for there are strange strange things in being, Stranger than I know.
Yet if that chasm of splendour claim your presence Which glows between the ash cloud and the dun, How changed must be your mortal mould! Changed to a firmament-riding earthless essence From what you were of old:
All too unlike the fond and fragile creature Then known to me. Well, shall I say it plain? I would not have you thus and there, But still would grieve on, missing you, still feature You as the one you were.
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He Prefers her Earthly is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1917 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Thomas Hardy
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical, Lyric, Nature Writing
- Length: 163 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- Fetching Her by Thomas Hardy
- Let Me Enjoy by Thomas Hardy
- First Sight Of Her And After by Thomas Hardy
- Her Immortality by Thomas Hardy
- Had You Wept by Thomas Hardy
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, nature, and emotional depth are prevalent, characteristic of Romantic literature.
- Philosophical — Explores existential themes and the nature of being, reflecting on human existence.
- Lyric — Expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
Tags
romance · tragedy · love · nature · human emotions · social class · fate · desire · conflict · identity · loss · yearning