Neutral Tones (Masterplots II: Poetry, Revised Edition)
At a glance:
- Author: Thomas Hardy
- First Published: 1898
- Type of Work: Dramatic monologue
- Genres: Poetry, Dramatic monologue
The Poem
Thomas Hardy’s poem “Neutral Tones” is a dramatic monologue consisting of four tetrameter quatrains. The speaker addresses an estranged lover and reminisces about a foreseen moment in their past, which anticipated the demise of their relationship. The first three stanzas describe the past incident, and the fourth stanza reflects upon this incident and the nature of love. It is a sad, pessimistic poem that portrays love as painful and doomed.
The first stanza paints the scene. Bleak landscape features set a dismal tone and reflect the bitter mindset of the...
[The entire page is 1521 words long]
