The Clock of the Years by Thomas Hardy
The narrative explores themes of time, memory, and loss through a dialogue between a speaker and a spirit capable of reversing time. The speaker expresses a desire to relive moments with a loved one, initially wishing to see her in her prime. As the spirit obliges, the woman ages backward, becoming increasingly youthful until she ultimately disappears, reducing to nothingness. The speaker's initial joy turns to despair as he realizes that reversing time erases the essence of the person he cherishes. The spirit's cold response highlights the futility of attempting to alter the natural order of life and death. The work reflects on the inevitability of loss and the painful consequences of longing for the past, emphasizing that memories, while cherished, cannot replace the reality of existence. The speaker's regret serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of accepting the passage of time and the permanence of change.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical Fiction, Romanticism · 295 words
First lines
"A spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up."
AND the Spirit said, / "I can make the clock of the years go backward, / But am loth to stop it where you will. " / And I cried, "Agreed / To that. Proceed: / It's better than dead!"
He answered, "Peace"; / And called her up-as last before me; / Then younger, younger she freshed, to the year / I first had known / Her woman-grown, / And I cried, "Cease! -
"Thus far is good- / It is enough-let her stay thus always! " / But alas for me. He shook his head: / No stop was there; / And she waned child-fair, / And to babyhood.
What this Textopian page supports
The Clock of the Years is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical Fiction, Romanticism, Gothic Fiction, Tragedy
- Length: 295 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for The Clock of the Years by Thomas Hardy
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Genres
- Poetry — The work employs lyrical language and structure, characteristic of poetic forms.
- Philosophical Fiction — The themes explore deep philosophical questions about time, memory, and existence.
- Romanticism — The emotional depth and focus on personal experience align with Romantic ideals.
- Gothic Fiction — The presence of supernatural elements and a melancholic tone contribute to a Gothic atmosphere.
Tags
time · memory · regret · nostalgia · change · nature · human experience · loss · identity · fate · love · seasons