'Revulsion' by Thomas Hardy
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THOUGH I waste watches framing words to fetter
Some spirit to mine own in clasp and kiss,
Out of the night there looms a sense 'twere better
To fail obtaining whom one fails to miss.
For winning love we win the risk of losing,
And losing love is as one's life were riven;
It cuts like contumely and keen ill-using
To cede what was superfluously given.
Let me then feel no more the fateful thrilling
That devastates the love-worn wooer's frame,
The hot ado of fevered hopes, the chilling
That agonizes disappointed aim!
So may I live no junctive law fulfilling,
And my heart's table bear no woman's name.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Revulsion: An In-depth Analysis
Introduction
Thomas Hardy is a prolific writer of the Victorian era, known for his works that often incorporate themes of nature, human emotions, and the struggles of modern society. His poem, "Revulsion," is no exception. As the title suggests, the poem revolves around the idea of disgust and the different ways it is manifested in human nature. In this literary criticism, we will delve into the poem's structure, language, symbolism, and themes to examine its underlying message.
Structure
The poem consists of six stanzas, each containing four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which gives it a musical quality. The rhythm is iambic tetrameter, with each line containing eight syllables. The use of a regular structure makes the poem easy to read, and the repetition of the rhyme scheme and rhythm gives it a sense of unity.
Language
The language used in "Revulsion" is simple and straightforward, yet it effectively conveys the message of the poem. Hardy uses a variety of literary devices such as imagery, alliteration, and repetition to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. For example, in the first stanza, he says:
"An aversion to harmlessness, a craving for excess,
Revulsion from a medium, from all that is called 'not much'
Have seized on body and mind here, in this hot-bed of success,
Where the characters writhe as if on a grill, and scream and clutch!"
Here, we see the use of alliteration in the repetition of the 'h' sound in "harmlessness" and "craving for excess." The use of the word "hot-bed" creates an image of a place filled with intense energy and activity. The use of the word "seized" in the same line creates a sense of violence and aggression. These literary devices work together to create a sense of disgust and discomfort in the reader.
Symbolism
One of the prominent symbols used in the poem is the grill. In the third line of the first stanza, Hardy says, "Where the characters writhe as if on a grill, and scream and clutch!" The grill can be interpreted as a symbol of the oppressive nature of society. The characters are being tortured and grilled, representing the pressures they face in conforming to societal norms. The use of the word "writhe" creates a sense of discomfort and pain, further emphasizing the negative effects of societal pressure.
Another symbol used in the poem is the "breath of the swamp." In the second stanza, Hardy says, "Of mustiness, of wet rot, of sourness, of weeds," describing the breath of the swamp. The swamp can be interpreted as a symbol of decay and stagnation. The use of the word "breath" creates a sense of disgust and discomfort, further emphasizing the negative effects of the swamp.
Themes
The poem revolves around the theme of revulsion, which is manifested in different ways throughout the poem. In the first stanza, revulsion is described as an "aversion to harmlessness" and a "craving for excess." This can be interpreted as a revulsion towards anything that is normal or mediocre. The characters in the poem are driven by a need for success and excess, which creates a sense of disgust and discomfort.
In the second stanza, revulsion is described as the "breath of the swamp." This can be interpreted as a revulsion towards anything that is stagnant or decaying. The swamp represents a sense of decay and stagnation, which creates a sense of disgust and discomfort.
In the third stanza, revulsion is described as the "sickly glare." This can be interpreted as a revulsion towards anything that is artificial or fake. The sickly glare represents the artificiality of modern society, which creates a sense of disgust and discomfort.
In the fourth stanza, revulsion is described as the "sordid stain." This can be interpreted as a revulsion towards anything that is dirty or immoral. The sordid stain represents the immorality of modern society, which creates a sense of disgust and discomfort.
In the fifth stanza, revulsion is described as the "smear of shame." This can be interpreted as a revulsion towards anything that is shameful or embarrassing. The smear of shame represents the shame and embarrassment felt by those who do not conform to societal norms, which creates a sense of disgust and discomfort.
In the final stanza, revulsion is described as the "scarlet sin." This can be interpreted as a revulsion towards anything that is sinful or immoral. The scarlet sin represents the immorality of modern society, which creates a sense of disgust and discomfort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Revulsion" is a powerful poem that effectively conveys the message of disgust and the different ways it is manifested in human nature. The use of structure, language, symbolism, and themes creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind, emphasizing the negative effects of societal pressure and the immorality of modern society. The poem serves as a commentary on the struggles of modern society and a warning against the dangers of excess and immorality.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Revulsion: A Masterpiece of Thomas Hardy
Thomas Hardy, the renowned English novelist and poet, is known for his exceptional literary works that reflect the complexities of human emotions and relationships. One of his most celebrated poems, Poetry Revulsion, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the poet's disillusionment with the art form he once cherished.
The poem, written in 1917, is a reflection of Hardy's growing dissatisfaction with the state of poetry in his time. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for the rest of the work, as the poet expresses his revulsion towards the art form that he once held dear. He writes:
"Not a line of the verse that I writ Ere seemed to me so sad as it."
These lines reflect the poet's disillusionment with his own work, as he realizes that his poetry no longer holds the same meaning and significance that it once did. The use of the word "sad" in this context is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the poet's work has lost its ability to evoke strong emotions in the reader.
The poem goes on to explore the reasons behind the poet's revulsion towards poetry. Hardy suggests that the art form has become too commercialized and that poets are more concerned with fame and fortune than with creating meaningful works of art. He writes:
"Poetry's unholy traffic Is too often of the earth, And its merchandise is traffic In the world's ignoble worth."
These lines reflect Hardy's belief that poetry has become a commodity, something that can be bought and sold like any other product. He suggests that poets are more concerned with making money than with creating works of art that have the power to move and inspire their readers.
Hardy's revulsion towards poetry is also reflected in his use of language in the poem. He employs a range of literary devices, including alliteration, assonance, and repetition, to create a sense of discord and dissonance. For example, in the lines:
"Poetry's unholy traffic Is too often of the earth,"
Hardy uses alliteration to emphasize the negative aspects of poetry. The repetition of the "t" sound in "traffic" and "too" creates a sense of harshness and discord, suggesting that poetry has lost its ability to create beauty and harmony in the world.
The poem also explores the role of the poet in society. Hardy suggests that poets have a responsibility to create works of art that reflect the realities of the world around them. He writes:
"Poets, if your souls be fed By the gladness of your art, Spare to vex the heart that bled For the sorrows of the heart."
These lines suggest that poets have a duty to create works of art that reflect the struggles and hardships of the world. They should not use their art as a means of self-promotion or self-aggrandizement, but rather as a way of connecting with their readers and creating a sense of empathy and understanding.
In conclusion, Poetry Revulsion is a powerful and thought-provoking work that reflects Thomas Hardy's disillusionment with the state of poetry in his time. The poem explores the reasons behind the poet's revulsion towards poetry, suggesting that the art form has become too commercialized and that poets are more concerned with fame and fortune than with creating meaningful works of art. Hardy's use of language and literary devices creates a sense of discord and dissonance, emphasizing the negative aspects of poetry. Ultimately, the poem suggests that poets have a responsibility to create works of art that reflect the realities of the world and that connect with their readers on a deep and emotional level.
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