Poetry is emotion put into measure. The emotion must come by nature, but the measure can be acquired by art

Poetry is emotion put into measure. The emotion must come by nature, but the measure can be acquired by art

Thomas Hardy, a renowned English poet and novelist, is a perfect example of someone who truly understood the essence of poetry being emotion put into measure. His works are filled with raw emotions, often depicting the harsh realities of life and the complexities of human relationships. Hardy believed that poetry should come from a place of deep emotion, rooted in the natural world and human experience.

In his poem "The Darkling Thrush," Hardy captures the feeling of despair and hopelessness that he often felt in his own life. The poem describes a bleak winter landscape, with the speaker feeling a sense of desolation and emptiness. However, in the midst of this darkness, the song of a thrush breaks through, filling the speaker with a sense of hope and renewal. This juxtaposition of despair and hope is a common theme in Hardy's work, reflecting his belief that poetry should evoke strong emotions in the reader.

Hardy's ability to convey emotion through his poetry is truly remarkable. His use of vivid imagery and powerful language allows the reader to feel the same emotions that he himself experienced. Whether he is writing about love, loss, or the passage of time, Hardy's poetry always strikes a chord with his audience, eliciting a strong emotional response.

While Hardy believed that the emotion in poetry must come from nature, he also understood the importance of the measure or structure of a poem. He was a master of form and meter, using traditional poetic techniques to enhance the emotional impact of his work. By carefully crafting his poems, Hardy was able to create a sense of rhythm and flow that added depth and complexity to his writing.