Summary:
Thomas Hardy’s poem A Broken Appointment expresses the speaker’s disappointment and emotional pain after being stood up by a loved one. The poem reflects on unfulfilled expectations in love, where the speaker had hoped for a meeting that never happened. The absence of the beloved highlights the theme of unrequited love, showing that even though the speaker understands that love cannot be forced, the pain of rejection remains. The poem uses a melancholic tone and rhythmic structure to emphasize the sorrow and inevitability of heartache. Hardy explores the emotional struggle of waiting in vain and the realization that love, when not reciprocated, leads to deep sorrow.

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Question | Answer |
Poem Name | A Broken Appointment |
Poet | Thomas Hardy |
Year Published | 1901 |
Poem Type | Lyric poem |
Verse Form | Two stanzas with regular rhythm |
Main Subject | Love, rejection, and disappointment |
Themes | Unrequited Love, Heartbreak, Emotional Pain |
Tone | Melancholic, Regretful, Somber |
Poetic Devices Used | Repetition, Imagery, Alliteration |
Symbolism | The missed appointment – broken promises in love |
Historical Context | Thought to be inspired by Hardy’s own love life, particularly his relationship with Florence Dugdale |
Main Message | Love, when not reciprocated, leads to sorrow and disappointment. |