The Colour by Thomas Hardy (1910)

Name: The Colour
Author: Thomas Hardy

The narrative unfolds in a rural setting, focusing on the lives of a couple, a farmer and his wife, who are deeply affected by the arrival of a mysterious and vibrant color that disrupts their mundane existence. The color symbolizes both beauty and danger, drawing the couple into a world of desire and obsession. The farmer, initially content with his simple life, becomes increasingly captivated by the color, which represents a longing for something beyond his reach. His wife, however, is wary of the implications that this new element brings, sensing the potential for chaos and disruption in their lives. As the story progresses, the couple's relationship deteriorates under the strain of the farmer's obsession. The color becomes a metaphor for the allure of the unknown and the consequences of succumbing to temptation. The farmer's fixation leads him to make choices that ultimately jeopardize their stability and happiness. The tension escalates as the couple grapples with their conflicting desires and fears. The wife's attempts to ground her husband in reality clash with his yearning for the extraordinary, creating a rift that threatens to tear them apart. The narrative explores themes of desire, the nature of beauty, and the impact of obsession on personal relationships. In the climax, the consequences of the farmer's choices come to a head, forcing both characters to confront the reality of their situation. The color, once a source of fascination, becomes a harbinger of loss and regret. The story concludes with a poignant reflection on the cost of desire and the fragility of human connections, leaving the couple irrevocably changed by their experiences. Ultimately, the work serves as a meditation on the complexities of love, the dangers of obsession, and the inevitable passage of time, encapsulating the struggle between the mundane and the extraordinary in human life.

By Thomas Hardy · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Romance · 341 words

First lines

(_The following lines are partly made up_, _partly remembered from a / Wessex folk-rhyme_)

"WHAT shall I bring you? / Please will white do / Best for your wearing / The long day through? " / "-White is for weddings, / Weddings, weddings, / White is for weddings, / And that won't do."

"What shall I bring you? / Please will red do / Best for your wearing / The long day through? " / " -Red is for soldiers, / Soldiers, soldiers, / Red is for soldiers, / And that won't do."

"What shall I bring you? / Please will blue do / Best for your wearing / The long day through? " / "-Blue is for sailors, / Sailors, sailors, / Blue is for sailors, / And that won't do.

Open reader

What this Textopian page supports

The Colour is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1910 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: 1910 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Romance, Drama, Folklore
Length: 341 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Colour 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

Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work employs rhythmic and lyrical language, characteristic of poetic forms.
Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes and character development, typical of literary fiction.
Romance — The text hints at romantic themes through the dialogue about colors associated with emotions and events.
Drama — The dialogue format suggests a dramatic presentation of themes and character interactions.