The Riddle by Thomas Hardy (1892)
The poem explores themes of longing, devotion, and the contrast between the allure of the sea and the desolation of the land. The speaker describes a woman who is captivated by the ocean, her gaze fixed on the horizon, suggesting a deep yearning for something beyond her reach. The sea represents hope, adventure, and the unknown, while the land, characterized by its barren hills, symbolizes stagnation and emotional emptiness. In the first section, the woman is portrayed as being enchanted by the sea, where her thoughts and dreams reside. The imagery evokes a sense of beauty and possibility, as the sea is described as a place of charm and allure. In contrast, the second section shifts to her current state, where she now gazes eastward at the land, which offers no emotional fulfillment. The starkness of the hills reflects a lack of inspiration and vitality, emphasizing her sense of loss and the absence of the ocean's enchantment. The juxtaposition of the sea and land serves to highlight the woman's internal conflict. Her devotion to the sea suggests a desire for freedom and exploration, while her focus on the barren land indicates a resignation to her current reality. The poem captures the tension between aspiration and despair, illustrating how one's environment can profoundly affect emotional states and desires. Ultimately, the work delves into the complexities of human longing and the search for meaning in a world that can often feel devoid of it.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1892 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 115 words
First lines
I. STRETCHING eyes west / Over the sea, / Wind foul or fair, / Always stood she / Prospect-impressed; / Solely out there / Did her gaze rest, / Never elsewhere / Seemed charm to be.
II. Always eyes east / Ponders she now- / As in devotion- / Hills of blank brow / Where no waves plough. / Never the least / Room for emotion / Drawn from the ocean / Does she allow.
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The Riddle is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1892 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Thomas Hardy
- Date: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Symbolism, Nature Writing
- Length: 115 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on imagery and emotional expression.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, emotion, and individual experience are prevalent, characteristic of Romantic literature.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
- Symbolism — The use of imagery and metaphor to convey deeper meanings aligns with Symbolist elements.
Tags
mystery · riddle · human nature · philosophy · existentialism · love · tragedy · conflict · identity · society · morality · relationships