Study Notes
The poem 'He Never Expected Much' by Thomas Hardy reflects on the speaker's realistic expectations of the world and how it has met them. The poem is structured in three octaves with a unique rhyme scheme and varying meter, creating a song-like form.
- Form — The structure of the poem, consisting of three eight-line stanzas with a specific rhyme scheme and meter. Example: The rhyme scheme is AAABCCCB, with lines 1, 3, and 5-7 in iambic tetrameter.
- Metre and Rhyme Scheme — The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables and the arrangement of rhymes in the poem. Example: Lines 4 and 8 are in iambic trimeter, and the rhyme 'were'/'fair' is a slant rhyme.
- Speaker — The voice in the poem, an 86-year-old man reflecting on his life and expectations. Example: The speaker is likely Hardy himself, considering the poem was written near his 86th birthday.
- Setting — The time and place of the poem, reflecting on the world and the speaker's past. Example: The setting includes the speaker's childhood memories of lying on a field and the broader concept of the 'World'.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Form: The structure and organization of a poem.
- Metre: The rhythmic structure of a poem.
- Rhyme Scheme: The pattern of rhymes at the end of each line.
Common Confusions
- Confusing the speaker with the poet.
- Misinterpreting the rhyme scheme due to slant rhymes.
Typical Exam Questions
- What is the rhyme scheme of the poem? The rhyme scheme is AAABCCCB.
- How does the speaker view the world? The speaker views the world as having met his low expectations.
- What is the significance of the setting in the poem? The setting reflects the speaker's childhood and broader reflections on life.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of the poem's structure and form.
- Interpretation of the speaker's attitude and reflections.
- Analysis of the poem's setting and its impact on the theme.