Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Going of the Battery; Wives' Laments" is a poem by Thomas Hardy, first published in 1914. The poem was written during World War I, and reflects Hardy's interest in exploring the impact of war on ordinary people. The poem is structured around the departure of a battery of soldiers for the front, and the subsequent reactions of their wives and families.

Content:

"The Going of the Battery; Wives' Laments" is a narrative poem that explores the themes of war, loss, and grief. The poem is structured around the departure of a battery of soldiers for the front, and the reactions of their wives and families. The poem is divided into two parts: the first describes the departure of the soldiers, and the second focuses on the wives' laments. The poem is notable for its use of vivid imagery, particularly in its descriptions of the soldiers and their equipment.

Form:

"The Going of the Battery; Wives' Laments" is composed of two parts, each consisting of several stanzas. The poem has a regular rhyme scheme (ABAB) and is written in iambic tetrameter. The poem's regular form and meter reflect Hardy's interest in traditional poetic forms, while its use of enjambment gives it a flowing, conversational quality.

Poetic Elements:

Hardy employs a range of poetic elements in "The Going of the Battery; Wives' Laments" to create a sense of emotional depth and intensity. The poem is marked by its use of vivid imagery, particularly in its descriptions of the soldiers and their equipment. Hardy also uses repetition and parallel structure to emphasize the themes of war, loss, and grief, while the wives' laments are characterized by their use of direct speech and colloquial language.

Summary:

"The Going of the Battery; Wives' Laments" is a powerful and emotionally charged poem that explores the impact of war on ordinary people. The poem is notable for its use of vivid imagery and repetition, which create a sense of emotional depth and intensity. Hardy's use of direct speech and colloquial language in the wives' laments serves to underscore the personal and individual nature of the grief experienced by those left behind. The poem is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war, and continues to resonate with readers today.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...