Tolerance by Thomas Hardy (1910)
The narrative explores themes of tolerance and the internal conflict that arises from it. The speaker reflects on their experiences of enduring mistreatment and the emotional toll it takes. They grapple with the idea that their decision to remain passive in the face of adversity may have led to personal suffering, yet they also find a sense of solace in their restraint. The speaker acknowledges the foolishness of their tolerance, questioning why they chose to endure rather than confront the source of their distress. This introspection reveals a deep sense of regret and contemplation about the choices made in the past. The speaker considers the possibility that a more assertive response could have spared them from heartache, yet they also recognize the moral weight of their decision to refrain from retaliation. As the narrative unfolds, the speaker's reflections lead to a broader commentary on the nature of human relationships and the complexities of forgiveness and resentment. The imagery of a tomb symbolizes the weight of unexpressed emotions and the lingering impact of past grievances. The speaker's acknowledgment of their own suffering juxtaposes the idea of personal integrity against the desire for vindication. Ultimately, the work delves into the paradox of tolerance: while it may be seen as a virtue, it can also lead to personal anguish when it results in the suppression of one's feelings and needs. The speaker's journey is one of self-discovery, as they navigate the fine line between maintaining peace and asserting their own worth. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of self-respect and the potential consequences of allowing oneself to be wronged without recourse.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Romanticism · 147 words
First lines
"IT is a foolish thing," said I, / "To bear with such, and pass it by; / Yet so I do, I know not why!"
And at each clash I would surmise / That if I had acted otherwise / I might have saved me many sighs.
But now the only happiness / In looking back that I possess- / Whose lack would leave me comfortless-
Is to remember I refrained / From masteries I might have gained, / And for my tolerance was disdained;
What this Textopian page supports
Tolerance is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1910 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: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Romanticism, Literary Fiction, Existentialism
- Length: 147 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Tolerance 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 verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep questions about tolerance, regret, and personal choices.
- Romanticism — The emotional depth and introspective nature align with Romantic literary themes.
- Literary Fiction — The focus on character introspection and thematic exploration fits within literary fiction.
Tags
society · morality · love · conflict · prejudice · human nature · relationships · faith · doubt · suffering · redemption · class