Weathers by Thomas Hardy (1917)
The poem explores the relationship between weather and human emotions, contrasting the joys and sorrows associated with different seasons. The speaker expresses a fondness for the pleasant weather that brings life and activity, evoking images of nature in bloom, birds singing, and people enjoying the outdoors. This idyllic scene is marked by a sense of community and shared experience, as individuals gather and dream of distant places. In contrast, the speaker acknowledges the adverse weather that shepherds avoid, characterized by dreary conditions and the somberness of nature. The imagery shifts to depict a more melancholic atmosphere, where the landscape is muted and the activities of both nature and humanity are subdued. The speaker's reflections reveal a duality in their feelings, appreciating the beauty of the lively weather while also recognizing the weight of the more oppressive conditions. Throughout the work, the interplay between the external environment and internal sentiments is emphasized, illustrating how weather can influence mood and social interactions. The speaker's repeated phrase, "And so do I," reinforces a connection to both the joys of spring and the burdens of harsher weather, suggesting a complex relationship with nature that encompasses both delight and discomfort. The poem ultimately captures the essence of human experience as it intertwines with the rhythms of the natural world.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Romanticism · 180 words
First lines
I. THIS is the weather the cuckoo likes, / And so do I; / When showers betumble the chestnut spikes, / And nestlings fly: / And the little brown nightingale bills his best, / And they sit outside at "The Travellers' Rest," / And maids come forth sprig-muslin drest, / And citizens dream of the south and west, / And so do I.
II. This is the weather the shepherd shuns, / And so do I; / When beeches drip in browns and duns, / And thresh, and ply; / And hill-hid tides throb, throe on throe, / And meadow rivulets overflow, / And drops on gate-bars hang in a row, / And rooks in families homeward go, / And so do I.
What this Textopian page supports
Weathers 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, Nature Writing, Romanticism, Lyric, Pastoral
- Length: 180 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Weathers by Thomas Hardy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
- The Master And The Leaves by Thomas Hardy
- The Wanderer by Thomas Hardy
- The Mowers D H Lawrence by D. H. Lawrence
- The Voice Of The Thorn by Thomas Hardy
- And There Was A Great Calm by Thomas Hardy
- The Walk by Thomas Hardy
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Nature Writing — The themes focus on weather and natural imagery, reflecting the beauty and nuances of the environment.
- Romanticism — The emotional connection to nature and personal reflection aligns with Romantic literary themes.
- Lyric — The expression of personal feelings and thoughts about nature indicates a lyrical quality.
Tags
nature · weather · environment · human experience · emotions · change · seasons · landscape · rural life · philosophy · existentialism · symbolism