To an Impersonator of Rosalind by Thomas Hardy
The poem explores the theme of idealized beauty and the nature of artistic creation. The speaker reflects on the process of capturing the essence of a woman, likening the act of creation to a divine or transcendent experience. The speaker questions whether the original creator of the woman's grace foresaw the impact of their creation, suggesting a connection between the artist and the subject that transcends time. The speaker expresses admiration for the woman's physical and emotional qualities, emphasizing her allure and the profound effect she has on those who encounter her. The imagery evokes a sense of longing and desire, as the speaker grapples with the realization that the woman embodies an ideal that is both captivating and elusive. As the poem progresses, the speaker acknowledges the challenge of truly representing the woman’s essence, recognizing that mere imitation cannot capture the depth of her character. The tension between reality and representation is central, as the speaker contemplates the limitations of art in conveying the true nature of beauty. Ultimately, the poem serves as a meditation on the relationship between the artist and their muse, exploring themes of inspiration, longing, and the quest for authenticity in artistic expression. The speaker's reverence for the woman reflects a broader commentary on the nature of love and admiration, suggesting that true beauty lies not only in physical appearance but also in the emotional resonance it evokes in others.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Literary Fiction · 149 words
First lines
DID he who drew her in the years ago- / Till now conceived creator of her grace- / With telescopic sight high natures know, / Discern remote in Time's untravelled space
Your soft sweet mien, your gestures, as do we, / And with a copyist's hand but set them down, / Glowing yet more to dream our ecstasy / When his Original should be forthshown?
For, kindled by that animated eye, / Whereto all fairnesses about thee brim, / And by thy tender tones, what wight can fly / The wild conviction welling up in him
That he at length beholds woo, parley, plead, / The "very, very Rosalind" indeed!
What this Textopian page supports
To an Impersonator of Rosalind 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, Romanticism, Literary Fiction, Lyric Poetry, Impressionism
- Length: 149 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for To an Impersonator of Rosalind by Thomas Hardy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- The Third Violet by Stephen Crane
- Fame by George Bernard Shaw
- A Reaping by E. F. Benson
- Elder Conklin by Frank Harris
- The Heart Of The Water by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- The Living Present by Gertrude Atherton
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, beauty, and idealization are prevalent, characteristic of Romantic literature.
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes and character emotions, typical of literary fiction.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal feelings and thoughts, focusing on the speaker's emotional response.
Tags
imitation · identity · theater · performance · gender roles · romance · literature · Shakespeare · character · self-discovery · drama · social commentary