Her Definition by Thomas Hardy
The poem explores the speaker's struggle to articulate the essence of a beloved woman. The speaker spends a sleepless night attempting to find the right words to capture her beauty and significance, but ultimately realizes that no language can fully encompass her. The imagery suggests that while words may be inadequate, they still carry deep emotional weight, akin to a simple chest that holds precious treasures. The speaker acknowledges the limitations of language but finds solace in the idea that even imperfect descriptions can convey profound feelings. The work reflects themes of love, the inadequacy of expression, and the transcendent nature of true beauty. The speaker's admiration for the woman elevates her to an almost divine status, suggesting that her essence is beyond mere words, yet still worthy of being celebrated through the act of writing. The tension between the desire to define and the recognition of the ineffable creates a poignant exploration of love and the challenges of communication.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 143 words
First lines
I LINGERED through the night to break of day, / Nor once did sleep extend a wing to me, / Intently busied with a vast array / Of epithets that should outfigure thee.
Full-featured terms-all fitless-hastened by, / And this sole speech remained: "That maiden mine! "- / Debarred from due description then did I / Perceive the indefinite phrase could yet define.
As common chests encasing wares of price / Are borne with tenderness through halls of state, / For what they cover, so the poor device / Of homely wording I could tolerate, / Knowing its unadornment held as freight / The sweetest image outside Paradise.
What this Textopian page supports
Her Definition 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, Romanticism, Lyric, Victorian Literature, Imagism
- Length: 143 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Her Definition by Thomas Hardy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- Julie Jane by Thomas Hardy
- Misconception by Thomas Hardy
- The Division by Thomas Hardy
- Bread Upon The Waters by D. H. Lawrence
- The Market Girl by Thomas Hardy
- The Lost Girl by D. H. Lawrence
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Romanticism — Themes of love and idealization of the beloved are central to the text.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections of the speaker.
- Victorian Literature — The author, Thomas Hardy, is a prominent figure in Victorian literature, reflecting its themes and styles.
Tags
love · identity · feminism · society · relationships · self-discovery · conflict · gender roles · romance · betrayal · family · social norms