Timing Her by Thomas Hardy (1920)
The narrative centers on a speaker's anticipation and longing for the arrival of Lalage, a woman who embodies beauty and grace. The speaker expresses a deep emotional connection, revealing a blend of excitement and anxiety about her visit. The poem unfolds through a series of stanzas that depict the speaker's thoughts and preparations as he eagerly awaits her presence. The speaker reflects on the simplicity of his surroundings and his humble lifestyle, contrasting it with Lalage's perceived elegance. He worries about whether his modest means will be sufficient to impress her. As he imagines her approach, he becomes increasingly anxious about the impression he will make, highlighting his feelings of inadequacy. Throughout the poem, the speaker's longing is palpable, as he repeatedly questions where Lalage is and expresses his desire for her to arrive. The imagery evokes a pastoral setting, with references to nature and domestic tasks, emphasizing the speaker's rural life. The refrain of "Lalage's coming" underscores the central theme of anticipation, creating a rhythmic urgency that mirrors the speaker's emotional state. As Lalage finally arrives, the speaker's joy is evident, yet he remains acutely aware of the disparity between their worlds. The poem concludes with a sense of fulfillment in her presence, but the underlying tension of social and personal inadequacy lingers. The work encapsulates themes of love, longing, and the complexities of social status, ultimately portraying the bittersweet nature of desire and connection.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Lyric · 582 words
First lines
(_Written to an old folk-tune_)
LALAGE'S coming: / Where is she now, O? / Turning to bow, O, / And smile, is she, / Just at parting, / Parting, parting, / As she is starting / To come to me?
What this Textopian page supports
Timing Her is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas Hardy, dated 1920 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Thomas Hardy
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Lyric, Pastoral, Narrative
- Length: 582 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Timing Her by Thomas Hardy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in a lyrical format, employing rhythm and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love and longing for a beloved, which is a hallmark of the romance genre.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
- Pastoral — The setting and references to nature suggest a pastoral theme, focusing on rural life and simplicity.
Tags
romance · drama · love · betrayal · society · class · fate · destiny · relationships · conflict · human emotions · tragedy