The Little Old Table by Thomas Hardy
The narrative centers around a small, creaky wooden table that serves as a poignant symbol of memory and loss. The speaker reflects on the table's significance, recalling how it was gifted to them by a woman whose intentions and feelings remain enigmatic. The creaking sound of the table evokes a sense of nostalgia, suggesting a deep emotional connection tied to the past. As the speaker contemplates the table, they explore themes of love, remembrance, and the passage of time. The table becomes a vessel for memories, representing the relationship between the speaker and the woman who gave it to them. The act of touching the table triggers reflections on their shared history, highlighting the unspoken bond and the complexities of their connection. The narrative unfolds through a series of contemplative observations, emphasizing the table's role as a silent witness to the speaker's life and experiences. The creak serves as a reminder of the woman's presence and the moments they shared, even as time has distanced them. The speaker grapples with the idea that future owners of the table will remain unaware of its rich history, underscoring the transient nature of personal connections and the stories embedded in everyday objects. Ultimately, the work delves into the interplay between memory and materiality, illustrating how objects can encapsulate emotions and histories that transcend their physical form. The table stands as a testament to the enduring impact of relationships, even when the individuals involved have moved on. Through this exploration, the narrative invites readers to reflect on their own connections to objects and the memories they evoke.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Romance · 109 words
First lines
CREAK, little wood thing, creak, / When I touch you with elbow or knee; / That is the way you speak / Of one who gave you to me!
You, little table, she brought- / Brought me with her own hand, / As she looked at me with a thought / That I did not understand.
-Whoever owns it anon, / And hears it, will never know / What a history hangs upon / This creak from long ago.
What this Textopian page supports
The Little Old Table 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, Literary Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Drama
- Length: 109 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
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- Work identity for The Little Old Table by Thomas Hardy
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on emotions and imagery.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore personal relationships and nostalgia, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Romance — The poem reflects on a personal connection and sentimentality associated with love.
- Historical Fiction — The reference to history and memory suggests a connection to the past, typical of historical narratives.
Tags
nostalgia · memory · domestic life · objects · sentimentality · time · change · loss · reflection · human experience · simplicity · everyday life