The Passer-By by Thomas Hardy (1912)
The narrative unfolds through the reflections of a woman who recalls a past romance with a young man who frequently passed by her window. Initially, their interactions are characterized by shyness and mutual attraction, as she notes his blushing response to her smiles. Over time, their connection deepens, and he becomes a significant part of her life, embodying her joy and fate. However, the tone shifts as she laments his absence, indicating that he no longer passes by her window. This absence evokes feelings of grief and longing, as she imagines him moving on to another maiden, potentially replicating the affection they once shared. The woman expresses a sense of inevitability regarding the transient nature of love, suggesting that he will eventually tire of any new romantic interest, just as he did with her. The work explores themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of human connections. The woman's reflections reveal her vulnerability and the emotional impact of unreciprocated or lost affection. The cyclical pattern of love and abandonment is highlighted, emphasizing the bittersweet reality of romantic relationships. The poem captures the essence of nostalgia and the pain of remembering a love that has faded, while also acknowledging the possibility of new beginnings for both the lover and the beloved.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Lyric · 205 words
First lines
(L. H. RECALLS HER ROMANCE)
He used to pass, well-trimmed and brushed, / My window every day, / And when I smiled on him he blushed, / That youth, quite as a girl might; aye, / In the shyest way.
Thus often did he pass hereby, / That youth of bounding gait, / Until the one who blushed was I, / And he became, as here I sate, / My joy, my fate.
And now he passes by no more, / That youth I loved too true! / I grieve should he, as here of yore, / Pass elsewhere, seated in his view, / Some maiden new!
What this Textopian page supports
The Passer-By 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, Romance, Lyric, Victorian Literature, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 205 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Passer-By by Thomas Hardy
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetic forms.
- Romance — The themes revolve around love, longing, and emotional connection between the speaker and the passer-by.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and emotions, typical of lyric poetry.
- Victorian Literature — The style and themes reflect the Victorian era's focus on emotional depth and social norms.
Tags
short story · literature · 19th century · realism · human experience · isolation · society · nature · emotional depth · character study · themes of loss · existentialism