Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Oxen" is a poem written by Thomas Hardy and first published in 1915. It was written during World War I, when England was facing a difficult time, and was included in a collection of poems entitled "Satires of Circumstance, Lyrics and Reveries". The poem is set on Christmas Eve in the countryside of Hardy's native Dorset, and draws on the folk traditions and legends of the region. It is widely regarded as one of Hardy's most popular and enduring works.

Content:

"The Oxen" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a group of villagers who gather together on Christmas Eve to ponder whether the legend of the oxen kneeling at midnight on Christmas Eve is true. The speaker of the poem is a member of the group, and he expresses his own doubts about the legend, but is moved by the spirit of the moment and prays to see the oxen kneel. The poem is notable for its use of vivid imagery, particularly in its evocation of the natural setting and the rural traditions of Christmas.

Form:

"The Oxen" is a lyric poem composed of 32 lines. It is divided into eight stanzas, each of which consists of four lines. The poem has a regular rhyme scheme (ABCB), and the first and third lines of each stanza are written in iambic tetrameter, while the second and fourth lines are written in iambic trimeter. The poem's regular form and rhyme scheme reflect Hardy's interest in traditional poetic forms, while its use of meter gives it a musical quality.

Poetic Elements:

Hardy employs a range of poetic elements in "The Oxen" to create a sense of nostalgia and wonder. The poem is marked by its use of vivid imagery, particularly in its evocation of the natural setting and the rural traditions of Christmas. Hardy also uses repetition to emphasize the themes of doubt and faith that run through the poem. Additionally, the poem is notable for its use of allusion, particularly in its reference to the Biblical story of the shepherds and the angels.

Summary:

"The Oxen" is a poignant and powerful poem that captures the spirit of Christmas in the rural countryside of England. The poem's use of vivid imagery, repetition, and allusion creates a sense of nostalgia and wonder that continues to resonate with readers to this day. The poem is also notable for its exploration of the themes of doubt and faith, which are universal and timeless. Overall, "The Oxen" is a beautiful and evocative work that captures the magic and mystery of Christmas in a way that is both deeply personal and universal.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...