Where the picnic was by Thomas Hardy (1914) Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Where the picnic was by Thomas Hardy (1914) Deck (10)
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1
Q

Context

A

The beauty of the day is dependant on the time of the day: it is fleeting and transient. It can pass in seconds so focus on the now. The poem is a snapshot in time.

2
Q

Form and Structure

A

The poem has 3 stanzas that can be seen to symbolise the past, present, and the future. The rhyme scheme differs in each stanza.

3
Q

‘Where we made the fire’

A

The use of the word ‘we’ in the opening line reveals that the speaker is directing his words towards a person, or people.

4
Q

‘Summer time’

A

This period in time shows where her felt happier and carefree.

5
Q

‘Through winter mire’

A

Contrasts with winter time where things have changed and he has experienced lass (in the present)

6
Q

‘The forsaken place’

A

Describes a sense of loneliness that comes with the changes he couldn’t avoid in life.

7
Q

‘Grass is grey’

A

The colour grey symbolises that which dull and lifeless.

8
Q

‘Just as last year’

A

This implies that quite some time has passed since the speaker was there.

9
Q

‘Two have wandered far’

A

The speaker reveals what has happened to two of the people as they have moved away and are no longer a part of his life.

10
Q

‘one- has shut her eyes’

A

He reveals the loss of a women who has died. Her death has caused his life to change significantly. Her death represents the winter and sadness of his life.