The Darkling Thrush Summary & Analysis

About The Poet Thomas Hardy

Thomas Hardy, a distinguished figure in English literature, left an indelible mark through his profound writings. Born in 1840 in Dorset, England, Hardy emerged as a celebrated poet and novelist, capturing the essence of human emotions and societal struggles within his works. Renowned for his exceptional storytelling, Hardy crafted several remarkable novels that resonate with readers today. Among his notable literary contributions are "The Mayor of Casterbridge," "Tess of the D'Urbervilles," "Far from the Madding Crowd," and "Jude the Obscure." These novels, particularly "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" and "Jude the Obscure," have stood the test of time and have attained the status of literary classics. However, Hardy's journey as a writer took an intriguing turn in 1899 when he ceased writing novels and focused on the art of poetry. His first collection of poems, "The Wessex Poems," showcased his versatility and lyrical prowess. Hardy's remarkable literary career ended with his passing in 1928, leaving behind an enduring legacy. As a testament to his significance in the literary world, his ashes were interred in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey, a prestigious resting place for renowned writers. Notably, his heart was placed in the graveyard at Stinsford Church, where his parents, grandparents, and first wife had been laid to rest. Thomas Hardy's enduring contributions to literature continue to captivate readers and inspire aspiring writers, solidifying his position as a true literary luminary.

The Theme of the Poem

Thomas Hardy, renowned for his adherence to strict formal patterns in his writing, employs a deliberate choice of expressions and repetitive patterns to create a sense of solidity in his work. His poems often explore disappointment, suffering, love, nature, fate, and war. Specific poems stand out within these themes as exemplars of Hardy's craft.

For instance, "Neutral Tones" and "I Looked into My Glass" are poems that delve into the depths of human despair and portray the profound sense of disappointment experienced in relationships. In "Drummer Hodge," a war-themed poem, Hardy highlights the insignificance of individuals in the face of the larger forces of war, emphasizing humans' limited control over their destinies. Fate emerges as a prominent theme in "The Convergence of the Twain," where Hardy muses on the inevitable convergence of the natural and human worlds, showcasing the unalterable nature of fate. In the nature-themed poem "The Darkling Thrush," Hardy reflects on the passing of an old era and the dawning of a new one, expressing his contemplation on the future and his relationship with nature. Throughout his work, Hardy masterfully weaves these themes together, offering profound insights into the human condition and the complexities of existence.

Summary of the Poem The Darkling Thrush

I leant upon a coppice gate
When Frost was specter-grey,
And Winter's dregs made desolate
The weakening eye of day.
The tangled bine- stems scored the sky
Like strings of broken lyres,
And all mankind that haunted nigh
Had sought their household fires.

The poem's protagonist appears to be a solitary figure positioned by a wooden gate, observing the desolate surroundings with a keen and observant gaze. The world surrounding him is sad, and the winter season draws close. The speaker employs a simile, likening a plant's thick, tangled stems to a broken musical instrument, intensifying his sorrow and melancholy.

The scene around him seems devoid of hope and life. As darkness and coldness descend, ordinary individuals seek refuge in the warmth of their homes, sitting by the fireside. However, the speaker distances himself from the rest of humanity, emphasizing his isolation amidst this desolate setting.

To accentuate the prevailing atmosphere of despair, the poet personifies the color gray, describing it as a "spectre" that haunts the surroundings. The speaker highlights the absence of vitality, color, and music in the initial stanza, further emphasizing the somber tone of the poem.

Stanza 2

The land's sharp features seemed to be
The Century's corpse outleant,
His crypt, the cloudy canopy,
The wind his death-lament.
The ancient pulse of germ and birth
Was shrunken, hard, and dry,
And every spirit upon earth
Seemed fervourless as I.

This stanza's landscape symbolically represents the events and changes occurring throughout the Century. It embodies the lifelessness and stagnation of the past Century. The land's sharp features symbolize the deceased Century, while the cloud acts as a covering, concealing its lifeless form.

The speaker perceives a significant decline in the rhythm of conception and truth due to the extreme coldness of the era. Death imagery permeates the stanza, reflecting the stagnant state brought about by the birth of technology and the Industrial Revolution during the 19th Century. While a new era is emerging on the horizon, offering solace to the people, the poet struggles to embrace it fully. He still forsakes old values and beliefs, favoring a new and supposedly improved world. The poet grapples with whether the new era justifies abandoning the principles and ideals of the past.

Stanza 3

At once a voice arose among
The bleak twigs overhead
In a full-hearted evensong
Of joy illimited;
An aged thrush, frail, gaunt, and small,
In a blast-beruffled plume,
Had chosen thus to fling his soul
Upon the growing gloom.

Suddenly, the speaker is startled by the sound of singing, a song that is not just any ordinary tune but a song of love. The melody is rich, beautiful, and brimming with happiness. The source of this enchanting melody is a thrush hidden somewhere nearby. As the poem progresses, the thrush comes into view, but it is not a sight.

The thrush is depicted as a feeble and aged bird, its feathers worn and tattered from the storm's harshness. The bird's enthusiasm for life remains undiminished despite being trapped in a hostile tempest. It continues to survive and sing amidst the dreary and desolate surroundings, its plumage ruffled by the wind and rain.

Stanza 4

So little cause for carolings
Of such ecstatic sound
Was written on terrestrial things
Afar or nigh around,
That I could think there trembled through
His happy good-night air
Some blessed Hope, whereof he knew
And I was unaware.

The cheerful song of the thrush breaks through the prevailing gloom, bringing a sense of joy and disrupting the surrounding desolation. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest and most gloomy circumstances, there is always a glimmer of hope. The small and delicate bird achieves what the poet has struggled to do.

Although the thrush's actions may bring about a small change, it will make an effort. The speaker recognizes that even the smallest endeavors can yield unexpected outcomes. The speaker marvels at the bird's willingness to sing in such adverse weather conditions and in a world that is seemingly dying.

The bird's song hints at a hidden hope or optimism in its heart, a sentiment the speaker has yet to comprehend. This stanza conveys a message of hope, love, and a positive outlook on life. Surely, the poet can do the same if a tiny thrush can sing its heart out without a care.

Conclusion

While the poem's conclusion remains unclear, its theme promotes optimism and affection. The melodic tune of the darkling thrush introduces a revitalizing element amidst a somber atmosphere, encouraging a positive outlook on existence. As the new Century approaches, it holds the potential to inspire renewed hope for humanity's well-being.

Even the smallest aspects can harbor hope; all it takes is perseverance to uncover it. Like the poet's perspective, each individual should seek optimism and love, even during bleak moments, to express themselves like the thrush's song.