The Going of the Battery by Thomas Hardy
The narrative explores the emotional turmoil of women as they bid farewell to their husbands, who are departing for war. The poem captures the somber atmosphere of the moment, emphasizing the sadness and uncertainty that accompany such separations. The imagery of rain and mud reflects the bleakness of the situation, while the soldiers' steadfastness contrasts with the women's vulnerability. As the women watch their loved ones march away, they express their fears and hopes through poignant reflections. The presence of artillery and the ominous night sky heighten the sense of foreboding. Despite their sorrow, the women cling to the hope that some protective force will watch over the men, illustrating the tension between despair and faith. The poem concludes with a haunting acknowledgment of the potential loss, yet it encourages resilience and patience, suggesting that time will reveal the outcome of their sacrifices. The emotional weight of the farewell resonates throughout, encapsulating the complexities of love, duty, and the harsh realities of war.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Lyric · 380 words
First lines
WIVES' LAMENT / (_November_ 2, 1899)
I. O IT was sad enough, weak enough, mad enough- / Light in their loving as soldiers can be- / First to risk choosing them, leave alone losing them / Now, in far battle, beyond the South Sea! . . .
What this Textopian page supports
The Going of the Battery 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, War Literature, Lyric, Romanticism, Victorian Literature
- Length: 380 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Going of the Battery by Thomas Hardy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Similar titles
- Song Of The Soldiers Wives by Thomas Hardy
- The Dead Drummer by Thomas Hardy
- The Soldiers Song by Alan Monaghan
- Ganhardines Song by Frederic Manning
- Men Who March Away by Thomas Hardy
- The Song Of The Gunner Dead by Gilbert Frankau
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a poem, utilizing meter and rhyme to convey emotions and themes.
- War Literature — The poem reflects on the experiences and emotions of those affected by war, particularly the families of soldiers.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and thoughts, focusing on the emotional impact of separation and loss.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, longing, and nature are prevalent, characteristic of Romantic literature.
Tags
war · military · conflict · loss · grief · courage · sacrifice · friendship · identity · memory · patriotism · nature