Summary of the Poem “In Time of ‘The Breaking of Nations’” by Thomas Hardy:
Summary / Analysis:
The poem is about the continuity of the living processes. Neither war, nor the breaking of nations can stop it. In the midst of violent changes the basic occupations of life go on unchanged. The poet believes that the basic occupations of life will survive war and death.
In the first stanza the agricultural operation carried on by a man with the help of his animal is described. A man is harrowing clods slowly and silently with tired, over-worked old horse.
The second stanza describes the burning of coach-grass. Thin flameless smoke is seen going up to the sky from the heaps of burning coach-grass. This goes on undisturbed though dynasties pass.
The third stanza describes love making. War’s annals will fade but not the story of love and lovers.
