Her Reproach by Thomas Hardy (1913)
The narrative explores themes of love, ambition, and the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. The protagonist grapples with the choice between pursuing fame and nurturing a deep emotional connection. The speaker reflects on the transient nature of glory, suggesting that the pursuit of fame often leads to isolation and regret. The poem opens with a call to action, urging the subject to engage with the world and seek success, yet it simultaneously warns of the emotional toll that such pursuits can exact. The imagery of cold wisdom and biting blasts evokes a sense of loneliness and hardship that accompanies the quest for recognition. As the speaker contemplates the cost of ambition, they highlight the contrast between the ephemeral nature of fame and the enduring value of love. The speaker's lamentation over the physical and emotional effects of absence underscores the pain of separation from a beloved. Ultimately, the work presents a poignant critique of societal values that prioritize fame over personal relationships, suggesting that true fulfillment lies in the cultivation of love rather than the pursuit of a fleeting legacy. The speaker's introspection serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of ambition and the lasting impact of emotional connections.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1913 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Tragedy · 167 words
First lines
CON the dead page as 'twere live love: press on! / Cold wisdom's words will ease thy track for thee; / Aye, go; cast off sweet ways, and leave me wan / To biting blasts that are intent on me.
But if thy object Fame's far summits be, / Whose inclines many a skeleton o'erlies / That missed both dream and substance, stop and see / How absence wears these cheeks and dims these eyes!
It surely is far sweeter and more wise / To water love, than toil to leave anon / A name whose glory-gleam will but advise / Invidious minds to quench it with their own,
And over which the kindliest will but stay / A moment, musing, "He, too, had his day! "
What this Textopian page supports
Her Reproach is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1913 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: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Tragedy, Literary Fiction, Victorian Literature
- Length: 167 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Her Reproach by Thomas Hardy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, longing, and emotional depth are central to the text.
- Tragedy — The exploration of loss and the consequences of choices reflects tragic elements.
- Literary Fiction — The focus on character development and thematic depth aligns with literary fiction.
Tags
love · betrayal · society · morality · feminism · class · relationships · tragedy · redemption · conflict · identity · loss