Tess's Lament by Thomas Hardy (1891)
The poem expresses deep sorrow and regret from the perspective of a woman reflecting on her past life and lost love. She wishes to be forgotten, yearning for solitude and an end to her suffering. The speaker recalls her time in a dairy, where she felt strong and hopeful, sharing intimate moments with a loved one who has now departed. The imagery of the once-vibrant space now overrun by neglect symbolizes her emotional desolation. She grapples with guilt, acknowledging her role in the downfall of their relationship, feeling responsible for the pain inflicted on her partner. The memories of their wedding day contrast sharply with her current despair, highlighting the stark difference between past joy and present anguish. She wonders about the perceptions of others regarding her fate and the life that continues without her. The speaker's anguish culminates in a desire to erase her existence and memories, wishing to obliterate the remnants of her life and the consequences of her actions. The poem encapsulates themes of loss, guilt, and the longing for redemption, portraying a profound internal struggle with the weight of her past.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1891 · Genre: Poetry, Tragedy, Romanticism · 503 words
First lines
I. I WOULD that folk forgot me quite, Forgot me quite! I would that I could shrink from sight, And no more see the sun. Would it were time to say farewell, To claim my nook, to need my knell, Time for them all to stand and tell Of my day's work as done.
II. Ah! dairy where I lived so long, I lived so long; Where I would rise up stanch and strong, And lie down hopefully. 'Twas there within the chimney-seat He watched me to the clock's slow beat- Loved me, and learnt to call me sweet, And whispered words to me.
What this Textopian page supports
Tess's Lament is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1891 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: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Tragedy, Romanticism, Literary Fiction, Victorian Literature
- Length: 503 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Tess's Lament 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 Tess's Lament?
- 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
- The Rejected Members Wife by Thomas Hardy
- Tess Of The Durbervilles by Thomas Hardy
- In Childbed by Thomas Hardy
- The House Of Silence by Thomas Hardy
- A Pair Of Blue Eyes by Thomas Hardy
- Epeisodia by Thomas Hardy
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, employing rhythm and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Tragedy — The themes of loss, regret, and suffering reflect the elements of tragedy.
- Romanticism — The emotional depth and focus on personal experience align with Romantic literary themes.
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex characters and themes, typical of literary fiction.
Tags
tragedy · fate · social criticism · rural life · gender roles · class struggle · innocence · loss · love · betrayal · nature · morality