“The Convergence of the Twain” by Thomas Hardy

Poem: “The Convergence of the Twain” by Thomas Hardy

(Lines on the loss of the “Titanic”)

I

1. In a solitude of the sea
2. Deep from human vanity,
3. And the Pride of Life that planned her, stilly couches she.

II

• Steel chambers, late the pyres
• Of her salamandrine fires,
• Cold currents thrid, and turn to rhythmic tidal lyres.

III

• Over the mirrors meant
• To glass the opulent
• The sea-worm crawls — grotesque, slimed, dumb, indifferent.

IV

1. Jewels in joy designed
2. To ravish the sensuous mind
3. Lie lightless, all their sparkles bleared and black and blind.

V

1. Dim moon-eyed fishes near
2. Gaze at the gilded gear
3. And query: “What does this vaingloriousness down here?” …

VI

1. Well: while was fashioning
2. This creature of cleaving wing,
3. The Immanent Will that stirs and urges everything

VII

1. Prepared a sinister mate
2. For her — so gaily great —
3. A Shape of Ice, for the time far and dissociate.

VIII

• And as the smart ship grew
• In stature, grace, and hue,
• In shadowy silent distance grew the Iceberg too.

IX

• Alien they seemed to be;
• No mortal eye could see
• The intimate welding of their later history,

X

• Or sign that they were bent
• By paths coincident
• On being anon twin halves of one august event,

XI

• Till the Spinner of the Years
• Said “Now!” And each one hears,
• And consummation comes, and jars two hemispheres.

Introduction: “The Convergence of the Twain” by Thomas Hardy

“The Convergence of the Twain” by Thomas Hardy, a great Victorian novelist, poet and architect, first appeared in 1915 shortly after the great tragedy of the Titanic sinking took place. The poem captures the popular feelings of those times and presents the tragic sinking of the Titanic in a beautiful way. Despite being written over a century ago, the poem still resonates across different audiences and show the poignancy of the thematic strand of the sinking of the ship. Its constant popularity rests on its timeless nature of its message that the ship is lying “Deep from human vanity.”

Annotations of “The Convergence of the Twain” by Thomas Hardy

Difficult Phrases	Annotations/Explanations
1. In a solitude of the sea	Refers to the shipwreck of the Titanic occurring in a lonely and isolated location in the middle of the ocean.
2. Deep from human vanity	Implies that the disaster happened far away from human pride and self-importance.
3. And the Pride of Life that planned her	Refers to the human arrogance and excessive confidence in the ship’s construction and destiny.
4. Steel chambers, late the pyres	Describes the ship’s compartments that were once fiery chambers but are now cold and submerged.
5. Of her salamandrine fires	Refers to the intense heat and energy produced by the ship’s engines and furnaces.
6. Cold currents thrid, and turn to rhythmic tidal lyres	Describes the transformation of the ship’s once fiery engines into the rhythmic sound of ocean tides.
7. Over the mirrors meant	Refers to the intended purpose of mirrors on the ship, reflecting the opulence and wealth onboard.
8. To glass the opulent	Means to reflect the luxurious and extravagant elements of the ship’s interior.
9. The sea-worm crawls — grotesque, slimed, dumb, indifferent	Depicts the unattractive and uncaring nature of marine creatures crawling on the wreckage.
10. Jewels in joy designed	Refers to precious gems that were intended to delight and impress those onboard.
11. To ravish the sensuous mind	Means to captivate or enchant the pleasure-seeking mind.
12. Lie lightless, all their sparkles bleared and black and blind	Depicts the loss of brilliance and beauty in the submerged jewels.
13. Dim moon-eyed fishes near	Describes the curious fish swimming close to the sunken treasures.
14. Gaze at the gilded gear	Refers to the fish observing the lavish decorations and ornaments.
15. And query: “What does this vaingloriousness down here?”	Depicts the fish questioning the purpose and meaning of the extravagant human creations.
16. Well: while was fashioning	Refers to the period during which the Titanic was being constructed.
17. This creature of cleaving wing	Describes the ship, symbolically representing a magnificent flying creature.
18. The Immanent Will that stirs and urges everything	Refers to the divine force or power that drives and influences all things.
19. Prepared a sinister mate	Implies that fate or destiny has arranged a destructive partner or counterpart for the ship.
20. For her — so gaily great —	Describes the Titanic, highlighting its impressive size and grandeur.
21. A Shape of Ice, for the time far and dissociate	Refers to the iceberg that ultimately leads to the ship’s demise.
22. And as the smart ship grew	Describes the progressive development and advancement of the Titanic.
23. In stature, grace, and hue	Highlights the ship’s increasing size, elegance, and coloration.
24. In shadowy silent distance grew the Iceberg too	Depicts the simultaneous growth of the iceberg, gradually approaching the ship.
25. Alien they seemed to be	Suggests that the ship and the iceberg appeared as foreign or unfamiliar entities to each other.
26. No mortal eye could see	Indicates that the connection between the ship and iceberg was not visible or comprehensible to humans.
27. The intimate welding of their later history	Implies the intertwined fate or destiny that connects the ship and iceberg.
28. Or sign that they were bent	Refers to any indication or evidence of their shared destiny.
29. By paths coincident	Describes the simultaneous and parallel trajectories or paths taken by the ship and iceberg.
30. On being anon twin halves of one august event	Suggests that the ship and iceberg were unknowingly destined to be part of the same significant event.
31. Till the Spinner of the Years	Refers to a personification of fate or time, who controls and dictates events.
32. Said “Now!” And each one hears	Represents the moment when fate decrees the convergence of the ship and iceberg.
33. And consummation comes, and jars two hemispheres	Indicates the collision of the ship and iceberg, resulting in a catastrophic event.

Literary Devices in “The Convergence of the Twain” by Thomas Hardy

Literary Device	Verse	Identification and Explanation	Function and Meanings
Allusion	“Over the mirrors meant” (line 7)	The mention of mirrors alludes to the opulence and wealth of the Titanic, symbolizing the luxurious and extravagant nature of the ship. Some other allusions are such as hemispheres and Spinner.	-They enhance the reader’s understanding by connecting the text to a larger body of knowledge, adding depth and complexity to the poem.
Enjambment	“The sea-worm crawls — grotesque, slimed, dumb, indifferent. / Jewels in joy designed / To ravish the sensuous mind.” (line 9-10-11)	The use of enjambment allows the sentences to flow seamlessly from one line to the next, without a pause, creating a sense of continuity and emphasizing contrasting images.	It creates a smooth flow between lines and contrasting ideas.
Hyperbole	“Dim moon-eyed fishes near” (line 13)	The phrase “moon-eyed fishes” exaggerates the appearance of the fishes, emphasizing their mysterious and otherworldly nature.	It adds emphasis and intensity, creating creates vivid imagery.
Imagery	“Cold currents thrid, and turn to rhythmic tidal lyres” (line 6)	The imagery of “cold currents” turning into “rhythmic tidal lyres” creates a vivid sensory experience, representing the transformation of natural elements into music.	It evokes vivid sensory impressions as well a enhances the reader’s engagement.
Irony	“And as the smart ship grew / In stature, grace, and hue, / In shadowy silent distance grew the Iceberg too.” (line 23-25).	The juxtaposition of the positive attributes associated with the ship’s growth and the looming presence of the iceberg creates dramatic irony.	It creates a contrast between expectation and reality, heightening the sense of impending tragedy.
Metaphor	“A Shape of Ice, for the time far and dissociate” (line 21).	The iceberg is metaphorically described as a “Shape of Ice,” representing its detached and distant nature. The metaphor foreshadows the convergence of the Titanic and the iceberg.	– Enhances the symbolic meaning of the iceberg. – Creates a vivid and evocative image.
Onomatopoeia	“And query: “What does this vaingloriousness down here?” (line 15)	The word “query” imitates the sound of a questioning tone, enhancing the reader’s engagement and emphasizing the fishes’ curiosity towards the extravagant nature of the Titanic.	It creates an auditory effect, highlighting the fishes’ inquisitiveness and skepticism.
Oxymoron	“Lie lightless, all their sparkles bleared and black and blind” (line 12)	The combination of contradictory terms like “lightless” and “sparkles bleared” creates an oxymoron, emphasizing the loss of the jewels’ brilliance and their bleakness.	It highlights contrasting qualities. -It also creates a sense of tension and ambiguity.
Personification	“The Immanent Will that stirs and urges everything” (line 18)	The concept of an “Immanent Will” is personified as an active force that motivates and directs everything in the universe.	It assigns human attributes to an abstract concept and emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things.
Repetition	“Grew” (line 22-24)	The repetition of the phrase “grew in” emphasizes the ship’s growth and magnifies the impact of the subsequent lines.	It adds emphasis and reinforces the idea of growth and creates a rhythmic and memorable effect.
Simile	“This creature of cleaving wing” (line 17-18)	The comparison of the ship to a creature with “cleaving wing” suggests its grandeur and speed, enhancing the reader’s perception of its significance.	It provides a vivid and imaginative description and enhances the ship’s symbolism and impact.
Symbolism	“Prepared a sinister mate / For her — so gaily great —” (line 19-20)	The iceberg symbolizes a sinister counterpart or destiny for the Titanic, despite its initial grandeur and beauty.	It represents deeper meanings and concepts beyond their literal interpretation. It also adds layers of symbolism and foreshadowing.
Synecdoche	“Alien they seemed to be” (line 25)	The word “alien” represents the entirety of the Titanic and the iceberg, implying their strangeness and otherness.	This literary device refers to a whole by mentioning a part. Creates a sense of detachment and unfamiliarity.
Tone	“No mortal eye could see” (line 26)	The phrase conveys a somber and ominous tone, emphasizing the vastness and hidden nature of the events.	It sets the overall mood and atmosphere of the poem. It also reflects the theme of the insignificance of human achievements.
Understatement	“Consummation comes, and jars two hemispheres” (line 33)	The use of understatement downplays the catastrophic impact of the convergence of the Titanic and the iceberg.	This device creates a contrast between the actual event and its representation. It enhances the shock and tragedy of the situation.

Sound and Poetic Devices in “The Convergence of the Twain” by Thomas Hardy

Devices	Example/Reference	Definition	Explanation	Function
Alliteration	34. solitude of the sea	The repetition of initial consonant sounds	The repetition of the “s” sound in “solitude” and “sea” creates a soothing and melodic effect.	Enhances the musicality of the poem and emphasizes the tranquility of the sea.
Assonance	37. Steel chambers, late the pyres	The repetition of vowel sounds within words	The repetition of the long “e” sound in “steel” and “chambers” creates a harmonious and melodic effect.	Enhances the musicality of the poem and adds a sense of rhythm and flow.
Consonance	43. Jewels in joy designed	The repetition of consonant sounds within words	The repetition of the “j” and “d” sounds in “jewels,” “joy,” and “designed” creates a rhythmic and musical effect.	Adds musicality and a sense of harmony to the poem.
End Rhyme	35. sea, vanity	The rhyming of words at the end of lines	The words “sea” and “vanity” rhyme with each other, creating a sense of closure and musicality.	Provides a musical and rhythmic quality to the poem and helps structure the verses.
Rhyme Scheme	Each stanza follows an AAA rhyme scheme	The pattern of rhyming in a poem	The poem follows a consistent AAA rhyme scheme, where each pair of consecutive lines rhyme with each other.	Provides a structured and organized flow to the poem.
Verse Type	The poem is written in unrhymed iambic pentameter	The metrical pattern of lines in a poem.	The poem is written in unrhymed iambic pentameter, with each line consisting of five iambs (ten syllables).	Provides a rhythmic and musical quality to the poem, creating a natural and balanced flow.
Stanza Type	The poem consists of eleven quatrains	A group of lines in a poem	Each stanza in the poem consists of four lines.	Organizes the thoughts and ideas within the poem, providing a structural framework.
Poem Type	Narrative poem	The genre or category of the poem	The poem tells a story and describes the convergence of the ship and iceberg, based on the loss of the Titanic.	Tells a story and conveys the events and emotions associated with the subject matter.
Diction	“Opulent,” “vaingloriousness”	Word choice and vocabulary used in the poem	The poem uses rich and descriptive language, including words that convey grandeur and arrogance.	Enhances the imagery and tone of the poem, adding depth and evoking specific emotions and concepts.
Tone	The tone of the poem is solemn and contemplative	The attitude or mood conveyed by the poem	The poem expresses a sense of reflection, sadness, and contemplation over the loss of the Titanic.	Establishes the emotional atmosphere of the poem and conveys the poet’s attitude towards the subject matter.

Functions of Literary Devices in “The Convergence of the Twain” by Thomas Hardy

1. Imagery: The poem “The Convergence of the Twain” is full of sensory images that evoke the grandeur and tragedy of the Titanic’s sinking. Its examples include “steel chambers” (4) and “salamandrine fires” (5) that suggest the ship’s mechanical and technological prowess. Some others suggest human emotions or actions such as “jewels in joy designed” (10) represent human vanity, and “moon-eyed fishes” (13) symbolize the natural world’s indifference to human ambition. The imagery here not only intensifies the emotional impact of the poem on the readers but also create an unforgettable depiction of the disaster itself.
2. Personification: The poem “The Convergence of the Twain” personifies the Titanic as a proud and conceited being whom fate has humbled by drowning it. The ship is “the Pride of Life that planned her” (3) and as “so gaily great” (20), implying an arrogant attitude toward its construction and operation due to sheer its size. By personifying the ship, Hardy underscores the fragility and impermanence of human accomplishments in the face of nature’s power and unpredictability.
3. Metaphor: The poem “The Convergence of the Twain” utilizes the metaphor of the Titanic and the iceberg as twin halves of an “august event” (30). This metaphor conveys the idea that their collision was an inevitable and predetermined occurrence. This metaphor also suggests that the Titanic’s fate was sealed from the moment it set sail and that its downfall was an integral part of a predetermined plan. It also emphasizes the idea that human ambition and technological progress are subject to the caprices of fate that can make even the most remarkable achievements meaningless in a moment.

Themes in “The Convergence of the Twain” by Thomas Hardy

1. Hubris of Human Vanity and Pride of Life: The poem “The Convergence of the Twain” opens with the image of the Titanic lying in “a solitude of the sea,” far removed from human vanity (Line 1). It highlights the deep arrogance and pride associated with the creation of the ship, referred to as the “Pride of Life that planned her” (Line 3). This idea of human vanity and overconfidence seems the main idea exemplified in the description of the Titanic as a vessel constructed with great ambition. However, this arrogance faces the test when the ship collides with the iceberg and sinks within a few hours.
2. The Indifference of Nature and Time: The theme of nature’s indifference is evident in the “The Convergence of the Twain” at several places such as the image of sea-worms crawling over the mirrors show opulence and luxury (Lines 7-9) of the ship. These sea-worms are grotesque, slimed, dumb, and indifferent to the grandeur they were meant to show. Their presence signifies the apathy of nature and the insignificance of human accomplishments in the face of the vast and unconcerned forces of the sea. They also emphasize the transient nature of human vanity and the fleeting existence of material possessions and arrogance associated with them.
3. The Futility of Material Wealth and Beauty: The futility of material wealth and beauty is another theme of the poem “The Convergence of the Twain.” The images in the poem illustrates showing that its design and luxury captivate the onlookers and bring joy (Line 10). However, in the aftermath of the Titanic disaster, these jewels lie “lightless, all their sparkles bleared and black and blind” (Line 12). This imagery shows the loss of value and meaning as the tragedy makes them insignificant and their brilliance fades away. The poem refutes this idea that material possessions provide lasting and eternal satisfaction to human vanity.

Literary Theories and Interpretations of “The Convergence of the Twain” by Thomas Hardy

1. New Criticism: This literary theory centers on the close reading and analysis of the text itself without taking into account the author’s intentions or the historical context of the work. “The Convergence of the Twain” by Thomas Hardy could be interpreted from this perspective as its language and imagery shows several facets of this poetic piece. For example, the poem’s use of literary devices such as the personification of the Titanic as “stilly couches she” and the use of metaphors such as “salamandrine fires” and “rhythmic tidal lyres” set the setting of th ship and the ocean. The repetition of “And” in the first line of each stanza does the further job of creating unity and coherence. The word “convergence” in the title, too, hints at the final, fateful meeting of the Titanic and the iceberg.
2. Reader-Response Theory: This literary theory and criticism centers on the reader’s interpretation and response to a work of literature. “The Convergence of the Twain” makes the readers demonstrate their emotional responses in a variety of ways. The poem elicits feelings of awe, grief, and despair in the readers when they see the ship’s descent into the ocean and the fateful convergence of the Titanic and the iceberg. The use of rhetorical questions, such as “What does this vaingloriousness down here?” and the repetition of “And consummation comes” lead several readers to have a sense of this inevitability and tragedy that resonates with them long after they have read the poem.
3. Psychoanalytic Criticism: This literary theory examines the unconscious motivations and desires of the author and characters in a work of literature. In “The Convergence of the Twain,” the poem’s imagery and symbolism can be analyzed through a psychoanalytic lens. It could be the ideas of the poet and his depressive nature. The sinking of the Titanic shows it a symbolic representation of the collapse of Victorian society and its values. The use of the word “vanity” in the first line and the description of the ship’s opulent design also show an expression of the author’s critique of the excess and arrogance of the upper class. The use of the iceberg as a “sinister mate,” too, shows the representation of the repressed desires and fears of the collective unconscious of those times.

Essay Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “The Convergence of the Twain” by Thomas Hardy

• Topic: Fate in “The Convergence of the Twain” by Thomas Hardy.

Question: How does Hardy use the imagery of the ship and the iceberg to convey the idea of an inevitable, predetermined fate for the Titanic?

Thesis Statement: Through the use of symbolic imagery and language, Hardy highlights the theme of fate in “The Convergence of the Twain,” suggesting that the collision between the Titanic and the iceberg was a tragic event that could not have been avoided.

• Topic: Human Vanity and Pride in “The Convergence of the Twain” by Thomas Hardy. Question: How does Hardy use the concept of human vanity and pride to explore the tragedy of the Titanic?

Thesis Statement: Through his depiction of the Titanic as a product of human vanity and pride, Hardy conveys the idea that the ship’s destruction was a result of humanity’s arrogance and disregard for the natural world.

• Topic: Literary Devices in “The Convergence of the Twain” by Thomas Hardy.

Question: How does Hardy use metaphor and symbolism to convey his message about the Titanic’s sinking?

Thesis statement: Hardy employs rich symbolism and metaphors in “The Convergence of the Twain” to emphasize the hubris of humanity and the inevitable consequences of our actions.

• Topic: Nature in “The Convergence of the Twain” by Thomas Hardy.

Question: How does Hardy use the natural world to comment on the destruction of the Titanic?

Thesis Statement: Through his portrayal of nature in “The Convergence of the Twain,” Hardy suggests that the Titanic’s destruction was a result of humanity’s lack of respect for the natural world, and that nature has the power to ultimately triumph over human arrogance.

Short Questions-Answers about “The Convergence of the Twain” by Thomas Hardy

• Q: What is the central metaphor in Thomas Hardy’s poem “The Convergence of the Twain”?

A: The central metaphor in “The Convergence of the Twain” is the metaphorical “marriage” of the Titanic with the iceberg. Lines 19-21 show Hardy giving a full description of the iceberg as a “sinister mate” prepared for the Titanic. This metaphor emphasizes the impending collision and the fatal connection between the two entities. By likening the ship and the iceberg to lovers, Hardy underscores the tragic consequences that arise from human pride and vanity when they are locked through wedlock and love. The metaphor serves as a poignant reminder that the natural world is indifferent to human achievements and that fate could disrupt them without remorse. Through this comparison, Hardy skillfully presents the sense of inevitability and the destructive power of hubris.

• Q: How does “The Convergence of the Twain” explore the theme of transience?

A: “The Convergence of the Twain” explores the theme of transience by juxtaposing the grandeur and opulence of the Titanic with its inevitable fate. Hardy establishes the transitory nature of human existence in lines 1-3, where he portrays the sea as a solitude that exposes the vanity of humanity. The poem goes on to show the sinking of the Titanic, emphasizing the fleeting nature of life and the inescapable grip of mortality. Through words like “lightless,” “bleared,” and “blind” in lines 10-12, Hardy captures the loss of beauty and glory as the ship descends into the depths. By presenting the tragic fate of the Titanic, Hardy reminds us that even the most magnificent human creations are ephemeral, subject to the transient nature of existence.

• Q: How does “The Convergence of the Twain” comment on the relationship between art and tragedy?

A: “The Convergence of the Twain” shows the relationship between art and tragedy by serving as an artistic commemoration of the Titanic’s disastrous sinking. It becomes a tribute to the lives lost in the disaster, while serving as a reflection on the perils of unchecked human ambition. Through his poetic retelling of the story, Hardy memorializes the event and brings attention to the profound impact of the tragedy. The poem is also an embodiment of artistic expression, allowing readers to engage with and understand the depths of the catastrophe. It also shows that that art has the power to capture and convey complex emotions and ideas, and that even amidst tragedy, creativity thrives. By exploring this dynamic, Hardy suggests that art serves as a means of grappling with the complexities of life, offering solace and understanding in the face of adversities.

Literary Works Similar to “The Convergence of the Twain” by Thomas Hardy

• “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley:This sonnet shares a thematic focus on the transience of human power and the enduring force of time. Like Hardy, Shelley uses vivid imagery to illustrate the inevitable decay of even the most seemingly invincible creations.
• “The Wreck of the Deutschland” by Gerard Manley Hopkins: Hopkins’ poem grapples with the tension between human faith and the overwhelming power of nature in the context of a devastating shipwreck. The poem’s complex structure and imagery mirror the chaotic and unpredictable forces explored in “The Convergence of the Twain.”
• “The Second Coming” by William Butler Yeats: Yeats’ apocalyptic vision presents a world in disarray, echoing Hardy’s unsettling depiction of unforeseen natural forces. Both works offer a bleak commentary on the potential fragility of human order.
• “Titanic” by David R. Slavitt: Slavitt’s poem directly explores the same historical event as Hardy’s, the sinking of the Titanic. While the thematic focus may differ, both poets use the disaster as a lens to examine themes of human ambition and vulnerability.
• “Dover Beach” by Matthew Arnold: Arnold’s poem shares a sense of melancholy and reflects on the perceived decline of faith in the face of an indifferent natural world. This thematic preoccupation resonates with the tension Hardy explores between human constructs and the uncaring forces of nature.

Suggested Readings: “The Convergence of the Twain” by Thomas Hardy

Critical Analysis

• Poetry Foundation. “The Convergence of the Twain.” Poetry Foundation, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47266/the-convergence-of-the-twain. Accessed 10 March 2024.
• Ramazani, Jahan. “Hardy’s Elegies for an Era: ‘By the Century’s Deathbed.’” Victorian Poetry, vol. 31, no. 3, 1993, pp. 253-264. JSTOR, [invalid URL removed].
• Dauner, Louise. “The ‘Vanity’ of Human Wishes: Hardy’s ‘The Convergence of the Twain’.” The Thomas Hardy Journal, vol 1. no. 1, 1981, pp. 11-23.

Historical Background on the Titanic

• Eaton, John P., and Charles A. Haas. Titanic: Triumph and Tragedy. W. W. Norton & Company, 1995.
• Lynch, Don. Titanic: An Illustrated History. Hyperion, 1992.
• Website: Encyclopedia Titanica. Encyclopedia Titanica, https://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/. Accessed 10 March 2024.