The Alarm by Thomas Hardy (1912)
The narrative unfolds in a rural setting during the Napoleonic Wars, focusing on a soldier who is a volunteer preparing to leave his pregnant wife. As he bids farewell, he reassures her of his safety and urges her to seek refuge if danger approaches. The soldier grapples with his duty to fight and his desire to protect his family, reflecting on the conflict between personal and national responsibilities. As he marches towards the coast, he encounters news of an impending enemy landing. Torn between his duty and the instinct to return home, he contemplates the implications of his choices. A moment of divine intervention occurs when he frees a trapped bird, interpreting its flight direction as a sign from God regarding his path. Following the bird's flight southward, he arrives at the beach where a large assembly of troops is gathered, prepared to confront the enemy. However, the anticipated invasion does not materialize, as the enemy fleet has been thwarted by British strategy. The soldier returns home, relieved and grateful, joining his wife and friends in a prayer of thanksgiving for their safety and the avoidance of conflict. The work explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and the tension between personal desires and societal expectations, ultimately highlighting the resilience of familial bonds amidst the backdrop of war.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Romance · 1,302 words
First lines
(1803)
_See_ "_The Trumpet-Major_"
What this Textopian page supports
The Alarm 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, Historical Fiction, Romance, War Literature, Drama
- Length: 1,302 words
- Structure: 1 section, 26 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Alarm by Thomas Hardy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, incorporating historical events and figures.
- Romance — The themes of love and familial bonds are central, particularly the relationship between the soldier and his wife.
- War Literature — The plot revolves around the experiences and emotions of a soldier during wartime.
Tags
drama · tragedy · love · loss · society · conflict · human nature · morality · fate · despair · relationships · rural life