Lament by Thomas Hardy (1917)
The poem reflects on the absence of a beloved individual who has passed away, emphasizing the stark contrast between the vibrancy of life and the silence of death. The speaker imagines how the deceased would have thrived in social gatherings, bringing joy and warmth to those around her. The imagery of parties, dinners, and the anticipation of spring flowers highlights her vivacious spirit and the joy she would have shared with others. As the speaker mourns, they express a deep sense of loss, noting that the deceased is now confined to the grave, unable to partake in the celebrations and experiences that once defined her life. The repetition of "she is shut" underscores the finality of death and the emotional void left behind. The speaker grapples with the reality of their surroundings, filled with people who lack the same enthusiasm for life, contrasting sharply with the vibrant energy the deceased once brought. The poem captures the essence of grief, illustrating how the absence of a loved one can overshadow the joys of life. The speaker's reflections evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, as they navigate their own feelings of isolation amidst the memories of happier times. The imagery of nature, such as snowdrops and crocuses, serves as a poignant reminder of the cycles of life and death, further deepening the sense of loss. Ultimately, the work encapsulates the profound impact of death on the living, highlighting the enduring connection between memory and mourning. The speaker's lamentation serves as a tribute to the deceased, celebrating her life while simultaneously acknowledging the pain of her absence. The poem resonates with themes of love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of remembrance, leaving a lasting impression of the fragility of life and the enduring power of memory.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1917 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Elegy, Romanticism · 338 words
First lines
HOW she would have loved A party to-day! - Bright-hatted and gloved, With table and tray And chairs on the lawn Her smiles would have shone With welcomings. But She is shut, she is shut From friendship's spell In the jailing shell Of her tiny cell.
Or she would have reigned At a dinner to-night With ardours unfeigned, And a generous delight; All in her abode She'd have freely bestowed On her guests. But alas, She is shut under grass Where no cups flow, Powerless to know That it might be so.
What this Textopian page supports
Lament 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: Lyric Poetry, Elegy, Romanticism, Victorian Poetry, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 338 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Elegy by D. H. Lawrence
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Elegy — The work mourns the loss of a loved one, fitting the themes of grief and remembrance typical of elegies.
- Romanticism — The poem emphasizes nature and personal emotion, aligning with Romantic literary themes.
- Victorian Poetry — The style and themes reflect the characteristics of Victorian poetry, including a focus on personal loss and societal norms.
Tags
grief · loss · sorrow · nature · melancholy · poetry · existentialism · human experience · love · death · nostalgia · regret