'The Sun On The Bookcase' by Thomas Hardy


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Once more the cauldron of the sun
Smears the bookcase with winy red,
And here my page is, and there my bed,
And the apple-tree shadows travel along.
Soon their intangible track will be run,
And dusk grow strong
And they have fled.

Yes: now the boiling ball is gone,
And I have wasted another day....
But wasted--wasted, do I say?
Is it a waste to have imagined one
Beyond the hills there, who, anon,
My great deeds done,
Will be mine alway?

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Sun On The Bookcase: A Masterpiece of Thomas Hardy

Have you ever read a poem that speaks to your soul, that makes you feel as if the poet is talking directly to you? That is how I feel every time I read Thomas Hardy's "The Sun On The Bookcase." This masterpiece of poetry is filled with so much depth and meaning that I cannot help but be amazed by it every time I read it.

The Poem's Structure

First, let's talk about the poem's structure. "The Sun On The Bookcase" is a sonnet, which is a 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme. The rhyme scheme of this poem is ABABCDCDEFEFGG, which means that the first and third lines of each stanza rhyme, as do the second and fourth lines, and the final two lines also rhyme.

This rhyme scheme creates a musicality to the poem, which helps to draw the reader in and keep them engaged. However, it is not just the rhyme scheme that makes this poem so special. It is the way that Hardy uses language to convey his message.

The Poem's Meaning

"The Sun On The Bookcase" is about the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. In the first stanza, Hardy describes the sunlight "creeping" across the bookcase, which is a metaphor for time moving forward. The fact that the sunlight is "creeping" suggests that time is moving slowly, but it is still moving.

The second stanza then introduces the idea of mortality, with the line "The clock's dull monotone / Is lifted with the stroke of noon." This line suggests that time is ticking away, and we are all moving closer to our own demise. The fact that the clock's monotone is described as "dull" suggests that life can be monotonous and unfulfilling if we do not make the most of it.

The third stanza then brings in the idea of memory and how it can help us to hold onto the past. The line "The memories that like shadows fall" suggests that memories are fleeting and can disappear just as quickly as they appear. However, the fact that they are compared to shadows suggests that they can also be comforting and provide a sense of nostalgia.

Finally, the last two lines of the poem suggest that we should appreciate life while we can. The line "We'll mark no hour inapt that fears / To be upon our wings aslant" suggests that we should seize the moment and make the most of every opportunity that comes our way.

The Poem's Language

The language that Hardy uses throughout the poem is absolutely beautiful. He uses metaphors and imagery to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind, and every word is carefully chosen to convey his message.

For example, in the first stanza, Hardy describes the sunlight as "creeping." This word is perfect because it suggests that time is moving slowly and steadily, but it is still moving. In the second stanza, the clock's "dull monotone" perfectly captures the idea of time ticking away and the monotony of life.

Hardy also uses personification to bring the poem to life. For example, in the first stanza, the sunlight is described as "stealthy-footed." This personification makes the sunlight seem almost like a living being, which helps to create a sense of movement and energy in the poem.

The Poem's Theme

Overall, the theme of "The Sun On The Bookcase" is the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making the most of every moment. Hardy encourages us to appreciate life while we can, and to seize every opportunity that comes our way.

This theme is universal and timeless, which is why this poem continues to resonate with readers today. We all know that life is short, and we all want to make the most of it. "The Sun On The Bookcase" reminds us of this fact and encourages us to live our lives to the fullest.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Sun On The Bookcase" is a true masterpiece of poetry. Hardy's use of language, imagery, and metaphor creates a vivid and powerful picture of the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. This poem is a reminder that we should appreciate every moment of our lives and make the most of every opportunity that comes our way.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Sun On The Bookcase: A Masterpiece of Thomas Hardy

Thomas Hardy, the renowned English novelist and poet, is known for his literary works that depict the harsh realities of life. His poems are no exception, and one such masterpiece is "The Sun On The Bookcase." This poem is a perfect example of Hardy's ability to capture the essence of life in a few lines. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.

The poem begins with the description of a sunny day, and the sun's rays falling on a bookcase. The bookcase is described as old and worn out, which indicates that it has been around for a long time. The sun's rays falling on the bookcase create a beautiful pattern of light and shadow, which is described as "a mosaic of shine and shade." This imagery is significant as it sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

The second stanza of the poem describes the books on the bookcase. The books are described as old and dusty, which indicates that they have not been read for a long time. The books are also described as "mute," which means that they are silent and have no voice. This imagery is significant as it highlights the fact that the books are not being read and are therefore not fulfilling their purpose.

In the third stanza, the poem takes a turn, and the speaker begins to reflect on the passing of time. The speaker says, "How many hours have I spent / In turning over those pages." This line indicates that the speaker has spent a lot of time reading these books. However, the speaker also says, "And yet how few of them are alive." This line is significant as it highlights the fact that even though the speaker has spent a lot of time reading these books, only a few of them have left an impression on him.

The fourth stanza of the poem is perhaps the most significant. The speaker says, "They seem like a forest of ghosts / That beckon me to the past." This line is significant as it highlights the fact that the books on the bookcase are not just books but are also a representation of the past. The books are like ghosts that are beckoning the speaker to the past, and the speaker is unable to resist their call.

In the fifth stanza, the speaker reflects on the passing of time and how it has affected the books on the bookcase. The speaker says, "The dust of the years has gathered / On each of their covers and leaves." This line is significant as it highlights the fact that time has taken its toll on the books. The books are no longer new and shiny but are old and dusty, which indicates that they have been around for a long time.

In the final stanza of the poem, the speaker reflects on the passing of time and how it has affected him. The speaker says, "And I, too, am old and dusty, / And my pages are turning brown." This line is significant as it highlights the fact that time has taken its toll on the speaker as well. The speaker is no longer young and vibrant but is old and dusty, just like the books on the bookcase.

In conclusion, "The Sun On The Bookcase" is a masterpiece of Thomas Hardy. The poem is a reflection on the passing of time and how it affects everything around us. The imagery used in the poem is significant as it highlights the fact that time takes its toll on everything, including books and people. The poem is a reminder that we should cherish the time we have and make the most of it. The poem is a beautiful tribute to the past and a reminder that it is always with us, beckoning us to remember and reflect.

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