'The Oxen' by Thomas Hardy
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Christmas Eve, and twelve of the clock.
"Now they are all on their knees,"
An elder said as we sat in a flock
By the embers in hearthside ease.
We pictured the meek mild creatures where
They dwelt in their strawy pen,
Nor did it occur to one of us there
To doubt they were kneeling then.
So fair a fancy few would weave
In these years! Yet, I feel,
If someone said on Christmas Eve,
"Come; see the oxen kneel,
"In the lonely barton by yonder coomb
Our childhood used to know,"
I should go with him in the gloom,
Hoping it might be so.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Oxen by Thomas Hardy: A Masterful Exploration of Faith and Hope
Are there still people who believe in Christmas miracles? Thomas Hardy seems to answer this question in his poem, "The Oxen." Written in 1915, "The Oxen" is a masterful exploration of faith, hope, and the power of myth. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and language of this classic poem.
Summary
"The Oxen" is a poem about a man who comes home on Christmas Eve and ponders whether the legend about the oxen kneeling in reverence on this holy night is true. He is skeptical and cynical, but in the end, he finds comfort and hope in the possibility of the miracle.
The poem is divided into two stanzas, each consisting of eight lines. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the speaker's doubts about the legend:
In the lonely barton by yonder coomb
Our childhood used to know,
He lies beneath the white thorn,
He lies beneath the snow.
And yonder by the thorn
That lifts the lowly boughs,
The oxen, loosed from the plough,
Go homeward by the house.
The speaker describes a familiar place from his childhood, where he used to play and where his father is buried. He mentions the thorn tree, which is an important symbol in the poem. He also describes the oxen, who are going home after a day of work.
In the second stanza, the speaker begins to question the legend:
Christmas Eve, and twelve of the clock.
"Now they are all on their knees,"
An elder said as we sat in a flock
By the embers in hearthside ease.
We pictured the meek mild creatures where
They dwelt in their strawy pen,
Nor did it occur to one of us there
To doubt they were kneeling then.
The speaker remembers a conversation he had with his friends on a previous Christmas Eve. They talked about the legend and imagined the oxen kneeling in their barn. The speaker admits that he did not doubt the story at the time, but now he is more skeptical.
The poem ends with a moment of hope:
So fair a fancy few would weave
In these years! Yet, I feel,
If someone said on Christmas Eve,
"Come; see the oxen kneel
In the lonely barton by yonder coomb
Our childhood used to know,"
I should go with him in the gloom,
Hoping it might be so.
The speaker admits that it is unlikely that the legend is true, but he still hopes that it might be. He is willing to believe in the miracle, even if it goes against reason and logic.
Themes
The central theme of "The Oxen" is faith and hope. The speaker is torn between his skepticism and his desire to believe in something magical and miraculous. He is not alone in his doubts; his friends also question the legend. However, he is the only one who is willing to entertain the possibility that the oxen might actually kneel on Christmas Eve.
Another theme of the poem is the power of myth and tradition. The speaker's childhood memories and the stories he heard as a child have a strong hold on him. He is nostalgic for the past and longs for the simplicity and innocence of his childhood. The legend of the kneeling oxen is a part of this nostalgia, and it represents a connection to the past that is both comforting and mysterious.
Symbols
Thomas Hardy uses several symbols in "The Oxen" to reinforce the themes of the poem:
-
The thorn tree: The thorn tree is a symbol of Christ's crown of thorns and represents the suffering and sacrifice of the Christian faith. It also represents the continuity of tradition and the connection between past and present.
-
The oxen: The oxen represent the working class, who are bound to their labor and their routines. They are also a symbol of humility and meekness, which are important virtues in Christianity.
-
Christmas Eve: Christmas Eve is a symbol of hope and expectation. It represents the birth of Christ and the promise of redemption.
Language
Thomas Hardy's language in "The Oxen" is simple and understated, but it is also rich in imagery and symbolism. He uses words and phrases that evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past, such as "lonely barton," "yonder coomb," and "childhood used to know." He also uses repetition and alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and musicality, such as in the phrase "lifts the lowly boughs."
Hardy's use of language is particularly effective in the second stanza, where he contrasts the skepticism of the present with the innocence of the past. The phrase "Nor did it occur to one of us there / To doubt they were kneeling then" is a poignant reminder of the power of myth and tradition.
Conclusion
"The Oxen" is a classic poem that speaks to the universal themes of faith, hope, and tradition. Thomas Hardy's use of symbols and language creates a sense of nostalgia and longing that is both haunting and beautiful. The poem is a reminder that even in a world of skepticism and cynicism, there is still room for wonder and awe. As the speaker says at the end of the poem, "I should go with him in the gloom, / Hoping it might be so."
In the end, "The Oxen" is a testament to the power of belief and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a poem that reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope for a better future. As we enter the holiday season, let us remember the message of "The Oxen" and hold onto the hope and magic of Christmas.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Oxen: A Classic Poem by Thomas Hardy
Thomas Hardy, the renowned English novelist and poet, is known for his poignant and evocative works that explore the complexities of human emotions and the mysteries of life. One of his most famous poems, "The Oxen," is a beautiful and haunting piece that captures the essence of Christmas and the power of faith and hope.
Written in 1915, "The Oxen" is a nostalgic and melancholic poem that reflects Hardy's longing for the innocence and wonder of his childhood. The poem is set on Christmas Eve, and the speaker, who is presumably Hardy himself, is walking through the countryside, reminiscing about the old traditions and beliefs that he used to cherish as a child.
The poem begins with a description of the landscape, which is covered in snow and frost, and the speaker's sense of loneliness and isolation. He feels like an outsider in a world that has lost its magic and wonder, and he longs for the comfort and security of the past.
As he walks, he comes across a group of oxen that are grazing in a field. The oxen are a symbol of strength and endurance, and they represent the resilience and perseverance that is needed to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world.
The speaker is struck by the oxen's calm and peaceful demeanor, and he wonders if they might hold the key to the mystery of Christmas. He imagines that the oxen might be able to communicate with him, and he asks them if they know anything about the legend of the angels who sang on Christmas Eve.
To his surprise, the oxen respond to his question by bowing their heads and kneeling in the snow. The speaker is overcome with emotion, and he realizes that the oxen are not just animals, but symbols of the divine and the miraculous.
The poem ends with the speaker's realization that the magic and wonder of Christmas are not just myths and legends, but real and tangible experiences that can be felt and shared by all. He is filled with a sense of hope and faith, and he knows that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of redemption and renewal.
"The Oxen" is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the universal human experience of longing for connection and meaning in a world that can often seem cold and indifferent. Hardy's use of vivid imagery and evocative language creates a sense of nostalgia and longing that is both poignant and haunting.
The poem is also a testament to the power of faith and hope, and the belief that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of redemption and renewal. The oxen, with their strength and resilience, represent the enduring spirit of humanity, and the ability to overcome adversity and find meaning and purpose in life.
Overall, "The Oxen" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today, and reminds us of the importance of holding onto our beliefs and traditions, even in the face of uncertainty and doubt. It is a beautiful and timeless work that captures the essence of Christmas and the power of faith and hope, and is a testament to the enduring legacy of Thomas Hardy's literary genius.
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