Mismet by Thomas Hardy (1913)

Name: Mismet
Author: Thomas Hardy

The narrative explores themes of unfulfilled desire and the complexities of love. It centers on two characters, a man and a woman, each caught in a web of longing for connections that ultimately elude them. The man is enamored with a face and eyes that captivate him, yet he realizes they do not belong to the person meant for him. Despite the allure of the features and the intensity of his feelings, he is aware that his affections are misplaced. Simultaneously, the woman is drawn to a figure whose presence evokes charm and anticipation. She listens intently for his approach, feeling a connection to a name that resonates with her. However, she too recognizes that her feelings are directed toward the wrong individual, and the true connection that could have fulfilled her remains out of reach. The juxtaposition of their experiences highlights the irony of their situations. Both characters are trapped in a cycle of yearning for what they cannot have, leading to a profound sense of loss and disillusionment. The work delves into the emotional turmoil that arises from such mismatched affections, emphasizing the pain of longing for the unattainable. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that the characters are not only grappling with their own desires but are also reflective of broader societal constraints and expectations regarding love and relationships. Their struggles serve as a commentary on the nature of human connection, the randomness of attraction, and the often cruel twists of fate that dictate the course of their lives. Ultimately, the story encapsulates the essence of romantic misalignment, where the heart's desires clash with reality, leaving both characters in a state of unresolved longing. The exploration of these themes resonates with the universal experience of love, making the narrative a poignant reflection on the complexities of human emotions and relationships.

By Thomas Hardy · First published 1913 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Lyric · 195 words

First lines

I. HE was leaning by a face, He was looking into eyes, And he knew a trysting-place, And he heard seductive sighs; But the face, And the eyes, And the place, And the sighs, Were not, alas, the right ones-the ones meet for him- Though fine and sweet the features, and the feelings all abrim.

II. She was looking at a form, She was listening for a tread, She could feel a waft of charm When a certain name was said; But the form, And the tread, And the charm Of name said, Were the wrong ones for her, and ever would be so, While the heritor of the right it would have saved her soul to know!

What this Textopian page supports

Mismet 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, Romance, Lyric, Drama, Tragedy
Length: 195 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Mismet by Thomas Hardy
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Mismet?
How does this poem by Thomas Hardy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs lyrical language, focusing on emotions and personal experiences.
Romance — The themes revolve around unfulfilled love and longing, central to romantic literature.
Lyric — The expression of personal feelings and thoughts aligns with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
Drama — The emotional conflict and character interactions suggest dramatic elements.