Over the Coffin by Thomas Hardy

Name: Over the Coffin
Author: Thomas Hardy

The narrative unfolds at a funeral, where two women stand by a coffin, representing different phases of the deceased man's life. The first woman, the man's former wife, confronts the second, his recent spouse. Their dialogue reveals a complex emotional landscape, marked by regret, jealousy, and reflection on their shared connection to the deceased. The former wife expresses her feelings of betrayal and the societal pressures that led her to divorce him, suggesting that her decision was influenced by the presence of the second wife. As she speaks, she acknowledges the passage of time and the futility of their past conflicts, realizing that life is fleeting and the man they both loved is now gone. The second wife responds with surprise and contemplation, indicating that she, too, has her own regrets. The conversation shifts to a broader commentary on the nature of love, marriage, and societal expectations. Both women reflect on their choices and the constraints imposed by their circumstances, contemplating a more liberated existence akin to that of biblical figures. As they stand over the coffin, the dead man becomes a silent witness to their exchange, embodying the unresolved tensions and emotional complexities that linger even after death. The work explores themes of love, loss, and the societal norms that shape personal relationships, ultimately questioning the validity of those norms in the face of human emotion and experience. The dialogue serves as a poignant reminder of the intertwined lives of the living and the dead, and the enduring impact of choices made in the name of love.

By Thomas Hardy · First published 1914 · Genre: Poetry, Drama, Literary Fiction · 187 words

First lines

THEY stand confronting, the coffin between, His wife of old, and his wife of late, And the dead man whose they both had been Seems listening aloof, as to things past date. -"I have called," says the first. "Do you marvel or not? " "In truth," says the second, "I do-somewhat."

"Well, there was a word to be said by me! . I divorced that man because of you- It seemed I must do it, boundenly; But now I am older, and tell you true, For life is little, and dead lies he; I would I had let alone you two! And both of us, scorning parochial ways, Had lived like the wives in the patriarchs' days. "

What this Textopian page supports

Over the Coffin is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1914 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: 1914 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Drama, Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Historical Fiction
Length: 187 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Over the Coffin 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 Over the Coffin?
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 written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
Drama — The dialogue between the two wives suggests a dramatic confrontation and emotional conflict.
Literary Fiction — The themes of love, regret, and societal norms reflect the depth typical of literary fiction.
Philosophical Fiction — The exploration of life, death, and moral choices indicates philosophical underpinnings.