Her Father by Thomas Hardy (1917)
The narrative explores the tension between romantic love and paternal authority. The speaker meets a woman in secret, but their intimate connection is disrupted by the arrival of her father. His presence creates an atmosphere of discomfort, overshadowing their affection with a sense of despair. The father’s indifference to their feelings highlights the conflict between youthful passion and parental control. As the couple grapples with the father's intrusion, the speaker reflects on the nature of love. He questions the depth of the father's affection compared to his own, suggesting that while his love is based on physical beauty, the father's love is more enduring and resilient against the ravages of time. This contrast raises doubts about the sustainability of romantic love in the face of familial bonds. The poem delves into themes of love, loss, and the inevitable passage of time. It suggests that while romantic relationships may be intense and passionate, they can be fleeting and vulnerable to external influences, particularly parental expectations. The father's love, though less romantic, is portrayed as a steadfast force that will outlast youthful infatuation. Ultimately, the work reflects on the complexities of love, the impact of societal norms, and the struggle between personal desire and familial duty. The speaker's internal conflict serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and compromises that often accompany love, particularly when it intersects with family dynamics.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Drama · 202 words
First lines
I MET her, as we had privily planned, Where passing feet beat busily: She whispered: "Father is at hand! He wished to walk with me."
His presence as he joined us there Banished our words of warmth away; We felt, with cloudings of despair, What Love must lose that day.
Her crimson lips remained unkissed, Our fingers kept no tender hold, His lack of feeling made the tryst Embarrassed, stiff, and cold.
A cynic ghost then rose and said, "But is his love for her so small That, nigh to yours, it may be read As of no worth at all?
What this Textopian page supports
Her Father is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Thomas Hardy
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Drama, Literary Fiction, Victorian Literature
- Length: 202 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, longing, and emotional conflict are central to the narrative.
- Drama — The tension between characters and the emotional stakes create a dramatic atmosphere.
- Literary Fiction — The focus on character development and thematic depth aligns with literary fiction.
Tags
family · relationships · father-daughter · love · loss · identity · society · class · conflict · emotion · drama · narrative