The Oxen by Thomas Hardy

Question 1

About the Thomas Hardy

Answer 1

1840-1928

was interested in church iconography however lost his faith later in life

Question 2

opening line of the poem that is a clear correlation to the nativity story

(FIRST HALF - INNOCENCE)

Answer 2

‘Christmas Eve…’

Question 3

significance of regular rhyme pattern

Answer 3

ab rhyme pattern mimics the folktales

Question 4

quotes pertaining to the folktale told to children where animals would bow in reverence at the birth of Jesus

(FIRST HALF - INNOCENCE)

Answer 4

• story told by ‘an elder’ which suggests an authority figure whose word would be taken as absolute truth.
• gathered group of children listening to the story is referred to as ‘a flock’ which is a play on the fact that the story is about animals. Is also a reference to the fact that followers of Christ are like sheep, and Jesus is “the good shepherd” (John)
• the folktale is told by ‘embers’ which refers to a golden light, symbolic of Jesus, the centre of the story they are being told

Question 5

turning point towards the end of the first half of the poem

FIRST HALF - INNOCENCE

Answer 5

the negative “Nor” alludes to the fact that the folktale begins to be treated with skepticism later in life

Question 6

quote that introduced the loss of faith experiences in adulthood

(SECOND HALF - EXPERIENCE)

Answer 6

“so fair a fancy few would weave / In these years”

• enjambment signifies that time has passed
• alliteration creates a pitying tone to those who still believe the folktales - breathes an air of superiority and suggests it is only a story for children

Question 7

quote that shows the poem holds onto hope for a rekindling of faith

(SECOND HALF - EXPERIENCE)

Answer 7

the speaker notes that he would go “in the gloom” to experience the folktale told in childhood again
- gloom signifies the hopelessness of adulthood and the darkness brought about by no longer believing in anything

Question 8

quote about the speaker wishing to go to the place where the animals kneel - having affection for the folktales from childhood

(SECOND HALF - EXPERIENCE)

Answer 8

“hoping it might be so”

- even though age has made the speaker cynical, he still wishes to believe the story is true

Question 9

the poem as commentary

Answer 9

Not a direct retelling of the nativity, but a commentary on the trust and belief of the Christian nativity as children that is treated with skepticism later in life

“become as little children” - Matthew 18 (importance of a childlike faith)