Summary of the Poem Weathers
Thomas Hardy's poem "Weather" describes the different reactions creatures have to changing weather conditions. The first stanza portrays the joy felt by the cuckoo and the speaker during rainy weather, while the second stanza describes the discomfort felt by the shepherd and the speaker during cold and wet weather. The poem explores the relationship between humans and nature and emphasizes the importance of being in tune with the natural world. Hardy uses language to create a vivid image of the effects of weather on the world. The poem is a reminder of the beauty and power of nature.
Interpretation of the Poem Weathers
The poem "Weather" by Thomas Hardy is a simple but evocative piece that explores the different reactions people have to changing weather conditions. Hardy describes two opposing views of the weather, one that is enjoyed by the cuckoo and the speaker, and one that is shunned by the shepherd and the speaker. Through his description of the weather and its effects on nature, Hardy paints a picture of a world in transition, where different creatures respond to change in different ways.
In the first stanza, Hardy describes the weather that the cuckoo likes, and the speaker agrees. This is a time when the weather is wet and showers come frequently, which encourages the growth and spread of plants. The chestnut spikes, which are the flowers of the chestnut tree, are described as being "betumbled" by the showers. This implies that they are being jostled around by the rain and wind, which creates a sense of movement and energy. The nestlings, or baby birds, are also mentioned, and are described as flying. This suggests that they are taking their first flights and exploring the world around them. The little brown nightingale is also mentioned, and is described as singing his best. This suggests that the bird is feeling energized and joyful, perhaps because of the abundance of food and water that the rain has brought.
Hardy also describes the human response to this weather. He mentions "The Traveller's Rest," which is likely a pub or inn where people gather to socialize and enjoy the good weather. Maids are described as wearing sprig-muslin dresses, which suggests that they are dressing up for the occasion. Citizens are dreaming of the south and west, which are warmer and more pleasant places to be. The speaker also agrees that he likes this weather, which suggests that he is also enjoying the sense of renewal and energy that it brings.
In the second stanza, Hardy describes the weather that the shepherd shuns, and the speaker agrees. This is a time when the weather is cold and wet, and the leaves on the trees are changing color. The beeches are described as dripping in browns and duns, which are muted colors that suggest a sense of decay and decline. The shepherd is said to "ply and thresh," which implies that he is busy with the work of the season, but is not enjoying it. The hill-hid tides are described as throbbing and throeing, which suggests a sense of unease or discomfort. The meadow rivulets are overflowing, which suggests that the rain has brought more water than the land can handle. Drops on gate bars hang in a row, which creates a sense of stillness and stagnation. Rooks in families are going home, which suggests that the day is coming to a close and the creatures of the night are taking over.
The speaker also agrees that he shuns this weather, which suggests that he feels the same sense of unease and discomfort that the shepherd does. The two stanzas of the poem present two different perspectives on the same weather conditions, and show how different creatures respond to change in different ways. The first stanza presents a sense of renewal and energy, while the second stanza presents a sense of decay and decline. The poem suggests that the weather has a powerful effect on the world around us, and that different creatures respond to it in different ways.
One interesting aspect of the poem is the way that Hardy uses language to create a sense of movement and energy. In the first stanza, the chestnut spikes are described as being "betumbled" by the rain and wind, which creates a sense of motion and vitality. The nestlings are described as flying, which suggests that they are exploring the world and experiencing new things. The little brown nightingale is described as singing his best, which suggests that he is feeling energized and joyful. Similarly, in the second stanza, the hill-hid tides are described as throbbing and throeing, which creates a sense of movement and unease. The meadow rivulets are overflowing, which suggests that the rain has brought more water than the land can handle, and creates a sense of chaos and disruption. By using language in this way, Hardy creates a vivid picture of the weather and its effects on the world around us.
Another interesting aspect of the poem is the way that it presents two opposing views of the same weather conditions. The first stanza presents a positive view of the weather, and shows how it can bring renewal and energy to the world. The second stanza presents a negative view of the weather, and shows how it can bring decay and decline. By presenting these two views, the poem suggests that the weather can have different effects on different creatures, and that our response to it depends on our individual perspective.
The poem also explores the relationship between humans and nature. In the first stanza, Hardy describes how people are enjoying the good weather and socializing at "The Traveller's Rest." In the second stanza, however, the shepherd is described as shunning the weather and being busy with the work of the season. This suggests that humans are not always in tune with nature, and that we sometimes see it as something to be controlled and worked with, rather than something to be appreciated and enjoyed.
Overall, "Weather" is a simple but evocative poem that explores the effects of weather on the world around us, and the different ways that creatures respond to change. Through his use of language and imagery, Hardy creates a vivid picture of the weather and its effects, and shows how different creatures can have different perspectives on the same conditions. The poem also touches on the relationship between humans and nature, and suggests that we need to be more in tune with the natural world if we are to truly appreciate its beauty and power.
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