'Heiress And Architect' by Thomas Hardy
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SHE sought the Studios, beckoning to her side
An arch-designer, for she planned to build.
He was of wise contrivance, deeply skilled
In every intervolve of high and wide--
Well fit to be her guide.
"Whatever it be,"
Responded he,
With cold, clear voice, and cold, clear view,
"In true accord with prudent fashionings
For such vicissitudes as living brings,
And thwarting not the law of stable things,
That will I do."
"Shape me," she said, "high walls with tracery
And open ogive-work, that scent and hue
Of buds, and travelling bees, may come in through,
The note of birds, and singings of the sea,
For these are much to me."
"An idle whim!"
Broke forth from him
Whom nought could warm to gallantries:
"Cede all these buds and birds, the zephyr's call,
And scents, and hues, and things that falter all,
And choose as best the close and surly wall,
For winter's freeze."
"Then frame," she cried, "wide fronts of crystal glass,
That I may show my laughter and my light--
Light like the sun's by day, the stars' by night--
Till rival heart-queens, envying, wail, 'Alas,
Her glory!' as they pass."
"O maid misled!"
He sternly said,
Whose facile foresight pierced her dire;
"Where shall abide the soul when, sick of glee,
It shrinks, and hides, and prays no eye may see?
Those house them best who house for secrecy,
For you will tire."
"A little chamber, then, with swan and dove
Ranged thickly, and engrailed with rare device
Of reds and purples, for a Paradise
Wherein my Love may greet me, I my Love,
When he shall know thereof?"
"This, too, is ill,"
He answered still,
The man who swayed her like a shade.
"An hour will come when sight of such sweet nook
Would bring a bitterness too sharp to brook,
When brighter eyes have won away his look;
For you will fade."
Then said she faintly: "O, contrive some way--
Some narrow winding turret, quite mine own,
To reach a loft where I may grieve alone!
It is a slight thing; hence do not, I pray,
This last dear fancy slay!"
"Such winding ways
Fit not your days,"
Said he, the man of measuring eye;
"I must even fashion as my rule declares,
To wit: Give space (since life ends unawares)
To hale a coffined corpse adown the stairs;
For you will die."
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Heiress And Architect: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever read a poem that left you feeling both enchanted and perplexed? A poem that seems to be about one thing, but upon closer examination, reveals something deeper and more complex? That's exactly what Thomas Hardy's "Poetry, Heiress And Architect" does.
At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple description of a beautiful garden. However, as you read on, you discover that it is much more than that. It is a commentary on the relationship between art and nature, and the tension that exists between them.
The Beauty of Nature
The poem begins with a description of a garden that is so vivid, you can almost smell the flowers and feel the warmth of the sun. Hardy's use of sensory imagery is masterful, as he paints a picture of a place that is both idyllic and serene:
So sweet the hour, so calm the time, I feel it more than half a crime, When Nature sleeps and stars are mute, To mar the silence with pursuit.
The alliteration in the first line ("sweet the hour, so calm the time") sets the tone for the entire poem. It is a peaceful, almost dreamlike state that the speaker finds himself in. He feels guilty about disturbing the tranquility of the garden by being there.
Hardy's language is rich and descriptive, as he describes the various elements of the garden:
With avid eye I seek each flower, And roam from bower to sunny bower, And still pursue the poppy's flame, That, like a torch, has burst in flame.
The speaker's obsession with the poppy is interesting, as it is often associated with sleep and death. However, in this context, it represents the beauty and transience of life. The lines "And still pursue the poppy's flame, / That, like a torch, has burst in flame" create a sense of urgency and intensity, as if the speaker is desperately trying to hold on to something that is slipping away.
The Role of Art
As the poem progresses, the focus shifts from nature to the role of art in capturing its beauty. The speaker describes a "Poetess" who has come to the garden to find inspiration for her next work:
With all her tuneful art She summons each to play its part; Each, in its turn, like music, wakes, To utter forth its own sweetakes.
The use of personification here is interesting, as it suggests that the flowers and trees have a voice that can be harnessed by the poet. It also implies that the poet has the power to manipulate nature in order to create art.
However, the poem also points to the limitations of art. The speaker notes that the poetess is unable to capture the true essence of the garden:
But vainly may she strive to bind The freedom of the untutored wind, Or catch the transient forms that flee Like mist-wreaths from the earth and sea.
Here, Hardy is suggesting that while art can capture the beauty of nature, it can never truly replicate it. There is an inherent tension between art and nature, as the former seeks to imitate the latter, but can never fully do so.
The Architect of Nature
The final section of the poem introduces a new character, the "Architect", who is responsible for creating the garden in the first place:
But though to her no task were hard Who called each star by name and card, The garden's maze to her was new; Not till to-day its plan she knew.
The use of the word "Architect" is interesting, as it suggests that nature itself is a deliberately crafted structure, rather than a random collection of elements. This idea is reinforced by the line "Who called each star by name and card", which implies a sense of order and control.
However, the Architect is also portrayed as fallible, as she is unable to control the natural forces within the garden:
And though, to watch its ceaseless strife Of shades and sunshine, death and life, Will seem to listless eyes profane An idle thing, a wasted pain,- Yet not so to the watchful few Who know what work is wrought thereby.
Here, Hardy is suggesting that there is a deeper purpose to nature than meets the eye. The "ceaseless strife" within the garden is not pointless, but serves a greater purpose that can only be understood by those who are attuned to it.
Conclusion
In "Poetry, Heiress And Architect", Thomas Hardy presents a complex meditation on the relationship between art and nature. The poem is rich with symbolism and metaphor, and rewards close reading and analysis. Through his use of sensory imagery, personification, and allusion, Hardy creates a world that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. It is a poem that captures the essence of the Romantic tradition, while also exploring the tensions that exist within it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Poetry Heiress and Architect: A Masterpiece by Thomas Hardy
Thomas Hardy, the renowned English novelist and poet, is known for his exceptional ability to capture the essence of human emotions and relationships in his works. One such masterpiece is the poem "The Poetry Heiress and Architect," which was published in 1898. This poem is a beautiful portrayal of the relationship between a wealthy heiress and an architect, and how their love for each other is tested by societal norms and expectations.
The poem begins with a description of the heiress, who is portrayed as a beautiful and wealthy woman. She is described as having "wealth and beauty rare," and is referred to as the "Poetry Heiress." The use of the term "Poetry Heiress" is significant, as it suggests that she is not just wealthy, but also possesses a certain poetic quality that sets her apart from others.
The architect, on the other hand, is described as a man of humble origins who has worked hard to achieve success in his profession. He is referred to as the "Architect," which highlights his profession and his dedication to his work. The contrast between the two characters is evident from the beginning of the poem, as they come from different backgrounds and have different life experiences.
Despite their differences, the heiress and the architect fall in love with each other. Their love is described as "pure and true," and they are said to be "bound by love's sweet chain." However, their love is not accepted by society, as the heiress is expected to marry someone of her own social class. The poem highlights the societal norms and expectations that govern relationships, and how they can often come in the way of true love.
The conflict between the heiress and society is further highlighted in the second stanza of the poem. The heiress is described as being "haunted by the world's disdain," which suggests that she is aware of the disapproval that society has for her relationship with the architect. The architect, on the other hand, is described as being "undaunted by the world's disdain," which suggests that he is willing to fight for their love, despite the societal pressures.
The third stanza of the poem is particularly poignant, as it describes the sacrifices that the architect is willing to make for the heiress. He is willing to give up his profession and his dreams for her, and is described as being "content to be her slave." This sacrifice is significant, as it highlights the depth of his love for her, and his willingness to put her needs above his own.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a beautiful portrayal of the love between the heiress and the architect. They are described as being "two souls in one," and their love is said to be "like the sun and sea." This comparison is significant, as it suggests that their love is powerful and all-encompassing, like the forces of nature.
The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the nature of love and how it can overcome societal norms and expectations. The poet suggests that true love is "stronger than the laws of man," and that it can conquer all obstacles. The poem ends on a hopeful note, as the poet suggests that the love between the heiress and the architect will endure, despite the challenges that they face.
In conclusion, "The Poetry Heiress and Architect" is a beautiful portrayal of the power of love and how it can overcome societal norms and expectations. The poem is a testament to Thomas Hardy's exceptional ability to capture the essence of human emotions and relationships in his works. The poem is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty of poetry and the power of love.
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