On the Death-Bed by Thomas Hardy
The narrative unfolds through the reflections of a dying man who grapples with the weight of his past actions. He recounts a tragic love affair that spiraled into violence. The protagonist was involved with a woman while her partner was away at war. Upon discovering their intimacy, the partner returns unexpectedly, leading to a confrontation where the protagonist kills him in a fit of passion and buries the body secretly. In the aftermath, the protagonist fabricates a story about the partner being missing in action, which allows him to maintain a semblance of normalcy. However, the guilt of his actions haunts him, and he realizes that he has lost the woman's love and his own moral standing. The narrative explores themes of guilt, love, betrayal, and the consequences of one's choices. As he lies on his deathbed, he reflects on the inevitability of facing the repercussions of his actions, expressing a sense of despair and acceptance of his fate. The work delves into the psychological torment of the protagonist, illustrating how his past continues to shape his present, culminating in a profound sense of loss and the acknowledgment of eternal punishment for his sins.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Tragedy, Drama · 220 words
First lines
"I'LL tell-being past all praying for- Then promptly die. He was out at the war, And got some scent of the intimacy That was under way between her and me; And he stole back home, and appeared like a ghost One night, at the very time almost That I reached her house. Well, I shot him dead, And secretly buried him. Nothing was said.
"The news of the battle came next day; He was scheduled missing. I hurried away, Got out there, visited the field, And sent home word that a search revealed He was one of the slain; though, lying alone And stript, his body had not been known.
What this Textopian page supports
On the Death-Bed is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1912 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: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Tragedy, Drama, Romance, War Literature
- Length: 220 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Tragedy — The themes of loss, guilt, and inevitable fate reflect tragic elements.
- Drama — The narrative involves intense emotional conflict and character interactions.
- Romance — The plot centers around love and betrayal, key components of romantic literature.
Tags
mortality · existentialism · grief · loss · reflection · family · relationships · regret · life choices · death · introspection · human experience