Poetry Analysis- Thomas Hardy - "On An Invitation To The United States"

The first 200 words of this essay...

Poetry Analysis - Thomas Hardy - "On An Invitation To The United States"

It can be said that the origins of "An invitation to the United States" are not conclusive, yet, various theories dictate that the event that fueled this work revolved around an invitation to America in order to celebrate the Centennial of Edgar Allen Poes death. Therefore one must consider the context in relation to the content and understand the myriad of emotions within Hardy's mind. The poem juxtaposes two geographical regions and presents the reader with Hardy's perspective towards the omnipresent contrast between the United States and England. In effect he is in a contemplative mood and reminiscing about past experiences of sorrow and loss, hence distorting his perception and renders him seeking new, more prosperous times. This concept of "rebirth" and new opportunities is combined with the consideration of past poetic masters, conveying a distinctive origin for both and emphasising the magic and freedom throughout Americas vast land.

The poem is presented in two stanzas, each containing 8 lines. In addition to this, the poem has a continuous rhythm and works around a rhyme scheme of (A,B,A,B,B,C,B,C). This regular rhyme scheme helps the poem