The Beauty by Thomas Hardy (1891)
The poem explores the complex relationship between beauty and identity, emphasizing the speaker's discomfort with being admired solely for their physical appearance. The speaker expresses a desire for genuine connection and friendship, rather than superficial praise. They reject the notion that beauty defines their worth, asserting that their true self lies beyond external appearances. The speaker's disdain for their beauty is rooted in the anxiety and pressure it brings, highlighting the transient nature of physical allure. The reference to a real-life figure who suffered due to the burdens of beauty underscores the poem's themes of vulnerability and the societal obsession with appearance. Ultimately, the work advocates for valuing inner qualities over outward beauty, suggesting that true companionship is based on understanding and acceptance of one's authentic self.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1891 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 226 words
First lines
O DO not praise my beauty more, / In such word-wild degree, / And say I am one all eyes adore; / For these things harass me!
But do for ever softly say: / "From now unto the end / Come weal, come wanzing, come what may, / Dear, I will be your friend."
I hate my beauty in the glass: / My beauty is not I: / I wear it: none cares whether, alas, / Its wearer live or die!
The inner I O care for, then, / Yea, me and what I am, / And shall be at the gray hour when / My cheek begins to clam.
What this Textopian page supports
The Beauty 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, Romanticism, Lyric, Social Commentary, Victorian Literature
- Length: 226 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Beauty 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 a poem that explores themes of beauty and self-identity through lyrical expression.
- Romanticism — The poem reflects Romantic ideals, focusing on individual emotion and the inner self.
- Lyric — The poem is personal and emotional, expressing the speaker's feelings about beauty and friendship.
- Social Commentary — The poem critiques societal views on beauty and the pressures it imposes on individuals.
Tags
nature · love · tragedy · society · class · romance · loss · beauty · human condition · desire · conflict · identity