Summary:
Thomas Hardy’s poem In Time of ‘The Breaking of Nations’ was written during World War I and reflects on the endurance of everyday rural life despite the destruction caused by war. The poem contrasts the temporary chaos of war with the timeless, unchanging aspects of nature and human existence, such as farming and love. Hardy suggests that while wars come and go, simple and essential human activities—like plowing fields and romantic relationships—will persist. The poem carries a peaceful and hopeful tone, emphasizing continuity and resilience in the face of historical turmoil.
MCQs:
- Who wrote In Time of ‘The Breaking of Nations’?
a) Wilfred Owen
b) Siegfried Sassoon
c) Thomas Hardy
d) T.S. Eliot
Answer: c) Thomas Hardy - What historical event influenced the poem?
a) The American Civil War
b) World War I
c) The French Revolution
d) World War II
Answer: b) World War I - What is the main theme of the poem?
a) The horror of war
b) The temporary nature of war and the permanence of everyday life
c) The glorification of soldiers
d) The destruction of nature by war
Answer: b) The temporary nature of war and the permanence of everyday life
In Time of ‘The Breaking of Nations’ - Which literary device is prominently used in the poem?
a) Hyperbole
b) Metaphor
c) Contrast
d) Satire
Answer: c) Contrast - What does the plowman symbolize in the poem?
a) The futility of war
b) The power of the military
c) The continuity of life and tradition
d) The destruction of civilization
Answer: c) The continuity of life and tradition - How does Hardy depict war in the poem?
a) As glorious and necessary
b) As a fleeting event compared to everyday life
c) As the most important aspect of human existence
d) As a divine punishment
Answer: b) As a fleeting event compared to everyday life - What does Hardy emphasize more in the poem?
a) The suffering of soldiers
b) The political consequences of war
c) The resilience of ordinary life
d) The strategies of war
Answer: c) The resilience of ordinary life - What is the tone of In Time of ‘The Breaking of Nations’?
a) Hopeful and peaceful
b) Angry and bitter
c) Violent and aggressive
d) Dark and sorrowful
Answer: a) Hopeful and peaceful - What does the reference to “a maid and her wight” symbolize?
a) The destruction of relationships by war
b) The persistence of love through time
c) The fear of soldiers
d) The recruitment of young men for battle
Answer: b) The persistence of love through time - What is the ultimate message of the poem?
a) War defines human existence
b) Only the strong survive
c) Nature and simple human activities will outlast war
d) War is necessary for progress
Answer: c) Nature and simple human activities will outlast war
| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | In Time of ‘The Breaking of Nations’ |
| Poet | Thomas Hardy |
| Year Published | 1915 |
| Poem Type | Lyrical Poem |
| Verse Form | Three quatrains (four-line stanzas) |
| Main Subject | The endurance of ordinary life amidst war |
| Themes | War vs. Continuity, Nature’s Resilience, The Power of Love |
| Tone | Peaceful, Reflective, Hopeful |
| Poetic Devices Used | Contrast, Imagery, Symbolism, Alliteration |
| Symbolism | The plowman – stability; The lovers – continuity of life |
| Historical Context | Written during World War I, but highlights the timeless nature of human activities |
| Main Message | While wars come and go, simple aspects of life—like farming and love—remain unchanged through time. |