Thomas Hardy (2 June 1840 – 11 January 1928 / Dorchester / England)

The poem is an unfortunate relic of an era long past when people actually expected more from each other, by way of “lovingkindness.” Standards of behavior were different. Politeness and respect were important, at least in the circles in which Mr. Hardy traveled. When men and women made a promise it meant something. Let’s not forget the title of the poem is “A Broken Appointment.” The woman said she would be there. It is unclear what else she may have told the man, but he was convinced she would come. IMHO, the man is not only disappointed at the lack of compassion demonstrated by the woman, but even more fundamental than that, her lack of honor. The fact that he criticizes her for a lack of compassion is a result of his own desire to extend respect to her. Far more polite, far more respectful, to criticize her for not being an angel, than for the fact that she lacks honor. Yet, through the text, a 19th century reader would know. He or she would know. And the condemnation would be stinging.

The fact that many of today’s readers have lost touch with the context of this poem deeply saddens me.

THANKS for the observation, Tim. (They've got it now.) I find the poem rueful, all right, but a bit silly for a grown man. Maybe I'm missing something, but isn't Willem right? I mean, so he got stood up. She doesn't love him. Did he really expect her to come to soothe him just out of a compassion divine in all but name? Or, in any case, how can he reproach her for not rising to such a height? Or would that be so grand a height? And he says he grieved more for her than himself. Hmfph. And this from the author of Tess and Jude! ! Thomas, this is stupid stuff, is what I say. Well, I hope I'm not missing the poem entirely.

The first and last lines of the second stanza should read, 'You love not me, ' rather than 'You love me not.' They're meant to rhyme with what follows-'You love not me/And love alone can lend you loyalty'-and with what precedes-'Even though it be/You love not me.' A wonderful and rueful poem-but missing some of its rough music until this error is corrected.

Clear message and fairly concisely written, but what else should a 'time-torn' man expect from a woman, other than kind compassion? : What does he have to offer?
I do like the ironic, introspective approach to stating his problrm.
Willem

very simple but expressive. Though not really the kind dat haunts