At An Inn

Thomas Hardy's At An Inn

Introduction

Thomas Hardy's poem "At An Inn" is a masterful exploration of the complexities of human relationships, societal expectations, and the often stark contrast between appearance and reality. This 32-line poem, published in 1898 as part of Hardy's collection "Wessex Poems and Other Verses," exemplifies the author's keen observational skills and his ability to distill profound emotional truths into concise, lyrical form. Through a deceptively simple narrative of two individuals staying at an inn, Hardy weaves a tapestry of themes including miscommunication, unfulfilled desires, and the passage of time, all underscored by a pervasive sense of melancholy that is characteristic of his work.

Structure and Form

The poem consists of eight quatrains, each following an ABAB rhyme scheme. This regular structure provides a scaffold for Hardy's exploration of irregular emotions and experiences. The alternating rhymes create a rhythmic ebb and flow that mirrors the push and pull of the relationship described in the poem. Hardy's use of iambic trimeter in the first and third lines of each stanza, contrasted with iambic dimeter in the second and fourth lines, creates a lilting cadence that evokes both the formality of traditional verse and the unpredictability of human emotion.

This metrical choice is particularly effective in emphasizing key phrases and concepts throughout the poem. For instance, in the lines "And that swift sympathy / With living love," the shortened fourth line draws attention to the phrase "living love," highlighting its importance in the thematic development of the piece.

Narrative and Perspective

Hardy employs a first-person plural narrator, using "we" and "us" throughout the poem. This choice is significant as it implicates both individuals in the unfolding drama while simultaneously maintaining a sense of distance and ambiguity. The use of "we" also serves to universalize the experience, suggesting that the emotions and situations described are not unique to these particular characters but are part of the broader human condition.

The narrative unfolds in three distinct temporal phases: the initial arrival at the inn, the period of misunderstanding and unfulfilled expectations, and a reflective present moment from which the speaker looks back on the event. This structure allows Hardy to explore the theme of time's passage and its impact on perception and memory.

Thematic Analysis

Misperception and Social Expectations

One of the central themes of "At An Inn" is the gap between appearance and reality, particularly as it relates to social expectations of romantic relationships. The innkeepers, representing society at large, misinterpret the relationship between the two travelers:

"Veiled smiles bespoke their thought
Of what we were.
They warmed as they opined
Us more than friends—"

This misperception sets the stage for the poem's exploration of the pressure to conform to societal norms and the consequences of such conformity. The innkeepers' assumption that the pair are lovers leads to a series of expectations and behaviors that ultimately highlight the true nature of the relationship.

The Nature of Love

Hardy delves deep into the complexities of love and desire throughout the poem. The contrast between the innkeepers' romanticized view of love and the reality of the travelers' relationship is stark:

"And we were left alone
As Love's own pair;
Yet never the love-light shone
Between us there!"

This juxtaposition serves to question the nature of love itself. Is it the passionate, all-consuming force that society often portrays it to be, or is it something more nuanced and potentially disappointing? The poem suggests that love, or at least the expectation of love, can be a burden as much as a blessing.

Time and Memory

The poem's structure, moving from past to present, emphasizes the theme of time's passage and its effect on perception. The final stanza's plea to return to a previous moment is particularly poignant:

"O severing sea and land,
O laws of men,
Ere death, once let us stand
As we stood then!"

This desire to recapture a past moment, even one that was not particularly happy, speaks to the human tendency to idealize the past and the pain of irretrievable time.

Symbolism and Imagery

Hardy employs rich symbolism and imagery throughout the poem to reinforce its themes. The inn itself serves as a microcosm of society, a place where the protagonists are subject to the judgments and expectations of others. The "veiled smiles" of the innkeepers represent the subtle ways in which society communicates its norms and expectations.

The natural imagery in the poem is particularly striking. The reference to "The pane-fly's tune" being "palsied unto death" creates a powerful image of stagnation and lifelessness, mirroring the emotional state of the travelers. This use of pathetic fallacy, where nature reflects human emotions, is a common technique in Hardy's work and serves to heighten the poem's emotional impact.

The repeated use of light imagery, particularly the absence of "love-light," underscores the lack of genuine romantic connection between the travelers. This absence of light is contrasted with the innkeepers' perception of a "bloom" cast upon the travelers, highlighting once again the discrepancy between appearance and reality.

Language and Diction

Hardy's choice of language in "At An Inn" is characteristically precise and evocative. He employs archaic and poetic dictions such as "opined," "quicks," and "ere" to create a sense of formality and timelessness. This elevated language contrasts with the raw emotions being described, creating a tension that mirrors the central conflict of the poem.

The use of words like "chilled," "palsied," and "numb" creates a semantic field of coldness and lifelessness that permeates the poem, reinforcing the lack of passion and vitality in the relationship. This is juxtaposed with words like "warmed," "flush," and "bliss" used to describe the innkeepers' perception, further emphasizing the gap between expectation and reality.

Conclusion

"At An Inn" stands as a testament to Thomas Hardy's poetic craftsmanship and his profound understanding of human nature. Through its intricate structure, nuanced exploration of themes, and masterful use of language and imagery, the poem offers a compelling meditation on love, societal expectations, and the passage of time.

Hardy's ability to distill complex emotional truths into concise, lyrical form is on full display here. The poem's power lies not just in what it says, but in what it leaves unsaid – the spaces between the lines where the reader's own experiences and interpretations can take root. In this way, "At An Inn" becomes not just a narrative about two specific individuals, but a mirror in which readers can see reflections of their own relationships, disappointments, and longings.

Ultimately, the poem's lasting impact comes from its unflinching honesty about the often painful realities of human relationships and the ways in which societal expectations can shape and distort our perceptions of love. It serves as a poignant reminder of the gap that can exist between our ideals and our lived experiences, and the melancholy beauty that can be found in acknowledging and exploring that gap.