On an Invitation to the United States

Name: On an Invitation to the United States
Author: Thomas Hardy

The work explores themes of nostalgia, the passage of time, and the contrast between the old and the new. The speaker reflects on their diminishing enthusiasm for adventure, feeling weighed down by the historical burdens of their current environment. They express a desire to escape to a modern land, one that is not yet marred by the tragedies and sorrows that have accumulated over centuries. The speaker's contemplation of their surroundings reveals a deep connection to history, as they acknowledge the impact of past lives and events on their own existence. They feel encased in a world that is like a tomb, filled with remnants of those who have come before. This sense of being surrounded by the past leads to a yearning for a place that embodies hope and potential rather than sorrow. As the speaker grapples with their identity in relation to the weight of history, they find solace in the idea of learning from the experiences of others. They seek to integrate the lessons of the past into their own life, suggesting a complex relationship with memory and legacy. The work ultimately presents a tension between the desire to break free from historical constraints and the recognition that the past shapes one's present and future. The imagery of ancient lands and the emotional resonance of historical experiences serve to highlight the speaker's internal conflict. They are caught between the allure of new beginnings and the inescapable influence of history, leading to a profound meditation on the nature of existence and the search for meaning in a world marked by both beauty and tragedy.

By Thomas Hardy · First published 1913 · Genre: Poetry, Travel Literature, Philosophical Literature · 160 words

First lines

I. MY ardours for emprize nigh lost / Since Life has bared its bones to me, / I shrink to seek a modern coast / Whose riper times have yet to be; / Where the new regions claim them free / From that long drip of human tears / Which peoples old in tragedy / Have left upon the centuried years.

II. For, wonning in these ancient lands, / Enchased and lettered as a tomb, / And scored with prints of perished hands, / And chronicled with dates of doom, / Though my own Being bear no bloom / I trace the lives such scenes enshrine, / Give past exemplars present room, / And their experience count as mine.

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On an Invitation to the United States is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1913 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Thomas Hardy
Date: 1913 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Travel Literature, Philosophical Literature, Historical Reflection, Literary Criticism
Length: 160 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
Travel Literature — The title and content suggest exploration and reflection on a journey to the United States.
Philosophical Literature — Themes of existence, history, and human experience are explored, indicating a philosophical approach.
Historical Reflection — The text reflects on the past and its impact on the present, engaging with historical themes.