Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"In Time of 'The Breaking of Nations'" is a poem by Thomas Hardy, first published in 1915. The poem reflects on the outbreak of World War I and the devastation and destruction that it caused.

The poem is structured as a series of six stanzas, each of which describes a different aspect of the speaker's experience. In the first stanza, the speaker describes the beauty of the natural world, suggesting that it is a source of solace and comfort in the face of the horror of war.

In the second stanza, the speaker reflects on the tragedy of war, and suggests that it is a senseless and cruel waste of human life.

In the third stanza, the speaker reflects on the suffering and destruction caused by war, and suggests that it is a sign of the corruption and decay of human civilization.

In the fourth stanza, the speaker imagines a conversation with the victims of war, and suggests that their suffering and sacrifice will ultimately lead to a greater appreciation for peace and understanding.

In the final stanzas, the speaker reflects on the transience of human life and the inevitability of change. He suggests that even the most terrible events, such as war, will eventually pass, and that there is always the potential for renewal and regeneration.

Overall, "In Time of 'The Breaking of Nations'" is a powerful and moving poem that reflects on the horror and tragedy of war. Through his use of vivid imagery and language, Hardy creates a sense of the devastation and destruction caused by violence, and offers a poignant meditation on the importance of peace and understanding in the human experience.

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