I Knew a Lady by Thomas Hardy (1925)
The narrative unfolds through the reflections of a speaker who recalls a woman he once knew, characterized by her charm and allure. The speaker reminisces about their past interactions during a time of warmth and brightness, contrasting it with the coldness of winter that follows. The lady expresses a desire to be desired, suggesting that her worth would be recognized if she were to belong to another man. As time progresses, she indeed becomes another man's wife, and the speaker encounters her in this new role. This transition evokes feelings of regret and sorrow in the speaker, who grapples with the consequences of his earlier inaction and missed opportunities. The emotional weight of his longing is palpable, as he reflects on how his choices have led to a painful separation. The narrative takes a turn when the woman's husband confronts the speaker, expressing his own grievances about the situation. He blames the speaker for the emotional turmoil both he and the lady experience, highlighting the interconnectedness of their fates. The husband's lament underscores the complexities of love, desire, and regret, revealing how one person's choices can ripple through the lives of others. Ultimately, the work explores themes of longing, the passage of time, and the burdens of unfulfilled desire, encapsulating the bittersweet nature of human relationships. The speaker's reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of love and the consequences of hesitation.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1925 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 179 words
First lines
(CLUB SONG)
I KNEW a lady when the days Grew long, and evenings goldened; But I was not emboldened By her prompt eyes and winning ways.
And when old Winter nipt the haws, "Another's wife I'll be, And then you'll care for me," She said, "and think how sweet I was!"
And soon she shone as another's wife: As such I often met her, And sighed, "How I regret her! My folly cuts me like a knife!"
What this Textopian page supports
I Knew a Lady is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1925 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: 1925 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Tragedy, Victorian Literature
- Length: 179 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
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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 regret are central to the narrative.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections on relationships.
- Tragedy — The themes of loss and regret suggest a tragic undertone.
Tags
love · loss · regret · memory · nostalgia · relationships · fate · nature · rural · society · class · gender