We Sat at the Window by Thomas Hardy
The poem depicts a moment of introspection and emotional stagnation experienced by two individuals sitting together by a window on a rainy day. The setting is characterized by a dreary atmosphere, with rain falling incessantly, creating a sense of confinement and frustration. The speaker reflects on the lack of engagement and connection between them, despite their physical proximity. As they observe the rain, they feel a mutual sense of irritation, not only with the external environment but also with their own inability to communicate and connect meaningfully. The imagery of the rain serves as a metaphor for their emotional state, highlighting the wasted potential of their relationship. The speaker acknowledges that both individuals possess unexpressed thoughts and feelings that remain unacknowledged, leading to a sense of loss and regret. The poem captures the essence of unfulfilled longing and the complexities of human relationships, emphasizing the theme of missed opportunities for connection. The rainy day symbolizes a period of reflection, where the characters confront their own emotional barriers and the silence that exists between them. Ultimately, the work conveys a poignant sense of melancholy, illustrating how external circumstances can mirror internal struggles and the profound impact of unspoken words.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1917 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry · 177 words
First lines
(_Bournemouth_, 1875)
WE sat at the window looking out, / And the rain came down like silken strings / That Swithin's day. Each gutter and spout / Babbled unchecked in the busy way / Of witless things: / Nothing to read, nothing to see / Seemed in that room for her and me / On Swithin's day.
We were irked by the scene, by our own selves; yes, / For I did not know, nor did she infer / How much there was to read and guess / By her in me, and to see and crown / By me in her. / Wasted were two souls in their prime, / And great was the waste, that July time / When the rain came down.
What this Textopian page supports
We Sat at the Window 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: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry, Existentialism, Victorian Literature
- Length: 177 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for We Sat at the Window by Thomas Hardy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem's focus on personal emotions and reflections aligns it closely with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of introspection and the exploration of human emotions reflect the ideals of Romanticism.
- Nature Poetry — The imagery of rain and the natural setting emphasizes the connection between human feelings and the environment.
- Existentialism — The contemplation of wasted potential and the search for meaning in relationships suggests existential themes.
Tags
nostalgia · reflection · nature · love · loss · memory · longing · solitude · time · change · human experience · relationships