Long Plighted by Thomas Hardy (1894)
The narrative explores the themes of love, time, and the inevitability of change through the lens of a couple reflecting on their long-standing relationship. The protagonists grapple with the significance of marriage after years of delay and contemplation. They question whether the rituals and societal expectations surrounding marriage hold any value as they confront the passage of time and the physical changes that accompany it. The couple reminisces about their past aspirations and the dreams they once shared, now overshadowed by the reality of their aging selves. They ponder the futility of traditional ceremonies when their bond has already been established through years of companionship. The imagery of nature and the seasons serves as a backdrop to their reflections, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of mortality. As they consider their future, the couple finds solace in the idea of remaining together, regardless of formalities. The notion of resting side by side in the churchyard symbolizes a deep connection that transcends societal norms. Ultimately, the work encapsulates a poignant meditation on love's endurance against the relentless march of time, suggesting that true companionship is defined not by rituals but by shared experiences and mutual understanding.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1894 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical · 245 words
First lines
IS it worth while, dear, now, / To call for bells, and sally forth arrayed / For marriage-rites-discussed, decried, delayed / So many years?
Is it worth while, dear, now, / To stir desire for old fond purposings, / By feints that Time still serves for dallyings, / Though quittance nears?
Is it worth while, dear, when / The day being so far spent, so low the sun, / The undone thing will soon be as the done, / And smiles as tears?
Is it worth while, dear, when / Our cheeks are worn, our early brown is gray; / When, meet or part we, none says yea or nay, / Or heeds, or cares?
What this Textopian page supports
Long Plighted is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1894 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: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical, Lyric, Victorian Literature
- Length: 245 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Long Plighted by Thomas Hardy
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Similar titles
- First Or Last by Thomas Hardy
- The Rift by Thomas Hardy
- Side By Side by Thomas Hardy
- Without Ceremony by Thomas Hardy
- The Seven Times by Thomas Hardy
- Cross Currents by Thomas Hardy
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a poem, utilizing verse and rhyme to convey emotions and themes.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, longing, and existential reflection align with Romantic ideals.
- Philosophical — The text explores deep questions about life, time, and relationships, characteristic of philosophical literature.
- Lyric — The personal and emotional expression in the text is indicative of lyric poetry.
Tags
love · betrayal · tragedy · society · class · fate · destiny · rural · relationships · conflict · human nature · loss