He Never Expected Much Flashcards
1
Q
What is the context?
A
original subtitle: A consideration on my 86th Birthday
Much of his poetry is elegiac and tinged by loss
2
Q
What themes does this mainly focus on?
A
STOICISM
- The endurance of pain/hardship without display of feelings
3
Q
What is the content?
A
Speaker addresses the world and reflects on how little he expected from life:
- They feel that this promise has been fulfilled
4
Q
What is the interpretation?
A
Whilst on the surface, Hardy’s speaker stoically accepts reality of life’s pain & suffering, there’s an IRONIC UNDERTONE that his social outlook on life has also restricted the joy of his life & ENHANCED his agitation
