'A Wife In London' by Thomas Hardy
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December 1899
I
She sits in the tawny vapour
That the Thames-side lanes have uprolled,
Behind whose webby fold-on-fold
Like a waning taper
The street-lamp glimmers cold.
A messenger's knock cracks smartly,
Flashed news in her hand
Of meaning it dazes to understand
Though shaped so shortly:
He--he has fallen--in the far South Land...
II
'Tis the morrow; the fog hangs thicker,
The postman nears and goes:
A letter is brought whose lines disclose
By the firelight flicker
His hand, whom the worm now knows:
Fresh--firm--penned in highest feather--
Page-full of his hoped return,
And of home-planned jaunts of brake and burn
In the summer weather,
And of new love that they would learn.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Wife In London by Thomas Hardy: A Masterpiece of Tragic Realism
As literary enthusiasts, we all know that the name Thomas Hardy is synonymous with a style of writing that is often characterized by its tragedy, realism, and powerful emotions. And, in this respect, his poem "A Wife In London" is no exception.
From the very first line, Hardy sets the tone for a heart-wrenching tale that explores the realities of war and its devastating effects on the lives of ordinary people. The poem is set against the backdrop of the Boer War, which was fought between Britain and the two independent Boer republics in South Africa between 1899 and 1902.
At its core, "A Wife In London" is a poem about loss, grief, and the sudden and unexpected nature of death. The central character is a woman who receives a letter informing her of her husband's death on the battlefield. And, as the poem unfolds, we see her struggle to come to terms with her loss and the overwhelming sense of loneliness and despair that engulfs her.
A Masterpiece of Tragic Realism
One of the reasons that "A Wife In London" is such a masterful work is because of Hardy's ability to capture the harsh realities of life with such vivid and unflinching detail. He paints a picture of a world that is cruel, unforgiving, and often senseless.
The poem is structured in such a way that we are given a glimpse into the life of the central character before her world is shattered by the news of her husband's death. We see her going about her mundane daily routine, sitting by the fire, and waiting for her husband to return home. This sense of normalcy is shattered when she receives the telegram, and the poem takes on a much darker and more somber tone.
Hardy's use of language is also worth noting. His descriptions of the world around the central character are stark and bleak, with words like "grey" and "dismal" used to describe the landscape. This creates a sense of hopelessness that is almost palpable.
The Power of Imagery
Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of "A Wife In London" is the power of its imagery. Hardy uses vivid and evocative language to create a series of images that linger long after the poem has been read.
For example, in the opening stanza, he writes:
"She sits in the tawny vapour That the City lanes have uprolled, Behind whose webby fold on fold Like a waning taper The street-lamp glimmers cold."
This image of the woman surrounded by a "tawny vapour" creates a sense of isolation and loneliness, which is only heightened by the "waning taper" of the street lamp.
Similarly, later in the poem, he writes:
"And breast high in the blossom- branches bowed The peach tree lays her beauty on the stone."
This image of the peach tree, laden with blossoms, bowing down to the ground is both beautiful and tragic. It serves as a reminder that life goes on, even in the face of death and loss.
The Irony of War
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the irony of war. Hardy is keenly aware of the senselessness of conflict and the way it can tear apart the lives of innocent people.
In the poem, we see the central character receiving a letter that is, in many ways, an afterthought. The telegram is almost impersonal, and it is clear that the person who sent it has no idea of the impact it will have on the woman's life. This is a stark reminder of the way in which war can reduce human beings to little more than statistics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Wife In London" is a masterpiece of tragic realism. It is a poem that explores the themes of loss, grief, and the senselessness of war with great skill and sensitivity. Hardy's use of language and imagery is powerful and evocative, and the poem lingers in the mind long after it has been read.
Overall, "A Wife In London" is a powerful reminder of the ways in which war can devastate the lives of ordinary people. It is a work that deserves to be read and reread, as it offers a profound insight into the human condition and the way in which we deal with loss and grief.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Wife In London: A Masterpiece of Thomas Hardy
Thomas Hardy, the renowned English novelist and poet, is known for his realistic portrayal of life in rural England. His works often depict the struggles of ordinary people in the face of social and economic changes. One of his most famous poems, "A Wife In London," is a poignant portrayal of the devastating effects of war on the lives of ordinary people.
The poem is set during the Boer War, which took place from 1899 to 1902. It tells the story of a woman who receives a letter from her husband, who is fighting in the war. The letter informs her that he has been killed in action. The poem then goes on to describe the woman's reaction to the news and the impact it has on her life.
The poem is divided into two parts. The first part describes the woman's daily routine as she waits for her husband's return. She is described as going about her daily chores, such as cooking and cleaning, while waiting for news of her husband. The second part of the poem describes the moment when she receives the news of her husband's death. The poem ends with a powerful image of the woman sitting alone in her room, mourning the loss of her husband.
The poem is written in a simple and direct style, which adds to its emotional impact. The use of short, simple sentences and everyday language makes the poem accessible to a wide audience. The poem is also notable for its use of imagery, which helps to create a vivid picture of the woman's life and emotions.
One of the most striking images in the poem is the description of the woman's daily routine. Hardy writes, "She sits in the tawny vapour / That the City lanes have uprolled, / Behind whose webby fold on fold / Like a waning taper / The street-lamp glimmers cold." This image creates a sense of isolation and loneliness, as the woman is depicted as sitting alone in a dark and gloomy room. The use of the word "tawny" to describe the vapour adds to the sense of desolation, as it suggests a dull and lifeless atmosphere.
Another powerful image in the poem is the description of the woman's reaction to the news of her husband's death. Hardy writes, "She reads a letter. None have written so, / She reads, and doth not speak, / But, trembling, shuts it close." This image captures the shock and disbelief that the woman feels upon receiving the news. The use of the word "trembling" suggests that she is physically affected by the news, while the fact that she "shuts it close" suggests that she is trying to shut out the reality of her husband's death.
The poem is also notable for its use of irony. The title of the poem, "A Wife In London," suggests a happy and contented life, but the poem itself tells a very different story. The woman's life is depicted as one of loneliness and isolation, and her husband's death leaves her with nothing but grief and despair. The use of irony adds to the emotional impact of the poem, as it highlights the contrast between the woman's expectations and the harsh reality of her life.
In conclusion, "A Wife In London" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the devastating effects of war on the lives of ordinary people. Through its use of imagery, irony, and simple language, the poem creates a vivid picture of the woman's life and emotions. It is a testament to Hardy's skill as a poet that he is able to convey such a complex and emotional story in just a few short verses. The poem remains a classic of English literature and a powerful reminder of the human cost of war.
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