The Darkling Thrush, by Thomas Hardy

There have been a number of highly talented writers who contributed much to make the British literature of the modern times a notable one. The part played by Thomas Hardy can never be undermined in it. During the course of his literary career, he has produced certain notable works, both in fiction and poetry. However, he concentrated mainly on poetry during the final phase of his literary life. The poem, “The Darkling Thrush” is one such poem written when he has acquired a wide understanding on the varied nature of the world. There are many things that make the poem stand apart from other ones written during the era. First and foremost of all, it is innovative style and fresh thematic concerns which are notable in the poem. The present paper comprehensively analyses Thomas Hardy’s poem, “The Darkling Thrush”. On scrutinizing the text, it becomes clear that various poetic devices used heighten the overall effect of the poem.

Hardy is a poet who knows the pulse of the people in the contemporary world (Zama, 2004). He was born and brought up in the Victorian England. Hence, he could get an insight into many aspects of the society. To top it all, the whole world was undergoing drastic changes in all areas of human interest. The beginning of a new century has never given any trace of hope to the people. Hardy identifies that the people have lost their values because of the overwhelming effects of the modern era. In the place of happiness and contentment, there were widespread dissatisfaction and frustration. Being a writer who keeps a keen eye on the happenings of the outer society, Hardy could not remain silent on the new issues. The poem, “The Darkling Thrush” is a classic example of this. He is a poet who tells everything through...

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...he peculiarities of the modern world though his phenomenal poem, “The Darkling Thrush”. The poem has got widespread critical acclamations for its multifaceted features. The theme chosen is relevant as people have begun to feel the adverse effects of the industrialized world. Everyone has begun to live as islanders with little exposure to others. The society is also noted for its extensive discrepancies. Fragmentation has become the core of the modern society. There is a psychological barrier between man and man and this restricts all emotional attachment between them. Hardy’s poem signifies all these undesirable tendencies in the world. The poem has got its achievement as the poet has skillfully balanced various elements in it.

Works Cited

Bloom, H. (2010). Thomas Hardy. 2nd Edition. Infobase Publishing

Zama, M. (2004). Poetry Down the Ages. Orient Blackswan