In Time of "the Breaking of Nations"
The poem presents a stark contrast between the mundane, everyday life of rural existence and the grand, often tumultuous events of history, particularly war. It opens with a solitary figure engaged in agricultural labor, symbolizing the continuity of life despite the chaos of human conflict. The imagery of the man and his weary horse emphasizes a slow, deliberate pace, suggesting a sense of timelessness in the face of change. The second stanza introduces the idea of persistence, as the thin smoke rising from the earth signifies ongoing life and labor, unaffected by the rise and fall of empires. This notion of continuity is reinforced by the assertion that life will proceed regardless of the upheavals caused by dynasties and wars. In the final stanza, the focus shifts to a couple, whose intimate moment stands in stark contrast to the broader historical narrative of war. Their whispered conversation symbolizes personal stories and connections that endure beyond the annals of conflict. The closing lines suggest that while wars may fade into obscurity, the personal narratives of love and companionship will remain significant and lasting. Overall, the work reflects on the themes of permanence versus transience, the insignificance of human conflict in the grand scheme of life, and the enduring nature of personal relationships amidst the backdrop of historical events.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Historical Fiction · 101 words
First lines
I. Only a man harrowing clods / In a slow silent walk / With an old horse that stumbles and nods / Half asleep as they stalk.
II. Only thin smoke without flame / From the heaps of couch-grass; / Yet this will go onward the same / Though Dynasties pass.
III. Yonder a maid and her wight / Come whispering by: / War's annals will cloud into night / Ere their story die.
What this Textopian page supports
In Time of "the Breaking of Nations" is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: Thomas Hardy
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Historical Fiction, Romanticism, Philosophical Literature
- Length: 101 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
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- Work identity for In Time of "the Breaking of Nations" by Thomas Hardy
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- After The War by Thomas Hardy
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- War Literature — The themes revolve around the impact of war and its historical significance.
- Historical Fiction — The poem reflects on the passage of time and the effects of historical events on personal lives.
- Romanticism — The work explores human emotions and relationships amidst the backdrop of war.
Tags
war · nationalism · conflict · history · poetry · humanity · suffering · loss · identity · despair · politics · society