Introduction: “The Oxen” by Thomas Hardy
“The Oxen” by Thomas Hardy, first published in 1915 in the Times newspaper, is a poignant poem renowned for its nostalgic tone and simple, yet evocative language. The central theme revolves around the enduring power of childhood memories, specifically the belief that oxen kneel on Christmas Eve. Hardy employs a nostalgic perspective, exploring the loss of innocence and the passage of time. The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of longing and contemplation, inviting readers to reflect on their own cherished memories.
Text: “The Oxen” by Thomas Hardy
Christmas Eve, and twelve of the clock.
“Now they are all on their knees,”
An elder said as we sat in a flock
By the embers in hearthside ease.
We pictured the meek mild creatures where
They dwelt in their strawy pen,
Nor did it occur to one of us there
To doubt they were kneeling then.
So fair a fancy few would weave
In these years! Yet, I feel,
If someone said on Christmas Eve,
“Come; see the oxen kneel,
“In the lonely barton by yonder coomb
Our childhood used to know,”
I should go with him in the gloom,
Hoping it might be so.
Annotations: “The Oxen” by Thomas Hardy
| Stanza | Text | Annotation |
| 1 | Christmas Eve, and twelve of the clock. “Now they are all on their knees,” An elder said as we sat in a flock By the embers in hearthside ease. | The poem begins on Christmas Eve, a time traditionally associated with religious significance. The elder’s remark that “they are all on their knees” refers to a folk belief that oxen kneel in reverence on Christmas Eve, recalling the animals’ presence at the Nativity. The scene is set in a cozy, intimate setting around a hearth, emphasizing a sense of warmth and tradition. The word “flock” evokes the image of both people gathered together and sheep, reinforcing the pastoral and religious imagery. |
| 2 | We pictured the meek mild creatures where They dwelt in their strawy pen, Nor did it occur to one of us there To doubt they were kneeling then. | The second stanza reflects the power of imagination and belief. The children and the elder imagine the oxen kneeling, with the oxen described as “meek” and “mild,” echoing the qualities of Christ as a “meek and mild” figure. The “strawy pen” connects the scene to the Nativity, where Christ was born in a manger. The belief is so strong that it doesn’t occur to anyone to question it, demonstrating the innocence and faith of childhood. |
| 3 | So fair a fancy few would weave In these years! Yet, I feel, If someone said on Christmas Eve, “Come; see the oxen kneel, | The third stanza reflects on the passage of time and the loss of innocence. The speaker notes that such “fair” or beautiful fancies—like the belief in the kneeling oxen—are no longer common in the modern, skeptical world. However, the speaker reveals a personal longing, acknowledging that if someone were to invite him to witness the oxen kneeling, he would be tempted to believe again, showing a deep-seated hope or desire to regain that lost faith. |
| 4 | “In the lonely barton by yonder coomb Our childhood used to know,” I should go with him in the gloom, Hoping it might be so. | The final stanza captures the melancholy of lost faith and the enduring hope for its return. The “lonely barton” (a farmyard) and “coomb” (a small valley) are places from the speaker’s childhood, evoking nostalgia and a connection to the past. Despite the darkness (“gloom”), both literal and metaphorical, the speaker would still follow, driven by the hope that the old belief might still be true. This stanza encapsulates the tension between doubt and belief, nostalgia and reality. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “The Oxen” by Thomas Hardy
| Device | Definition | Example | Explanation |
| Alliteration | The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words. | “Now they are all on their knees” | The repetition of the “n” sound creates a soft, rhythmic effect. |
| Ambiguity | A word or phrase that can be interpreted in more than one way. | “So fair a fancy few would weave” | The phrase suggests that such a belief is rare in modern times, but it also implies a personal connection to the tradition. |
| Anaphora | The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. | “Now they are all on their knees,” | This repetition emphasizes the idea of the oxen kneeling. |
| Assonance | The repetition of vowel sounds within words. | “Nor did it occur to one of us there” | The repetition of the “o” sound creates a soothing, melodic effect. |
| Connotation | The emotional or associative meaning of a word. | “Meek mild creatures” | These words evoke images of gentleness and innocence. |
| Enjambment | The continuation of a sentence or thought beyond the end of a line of poetry. | “We pictured the meek / mild creatures where They dwelt in their strawy pen” | This technique creates a sense of flow and rhythm. |
| Imagery | The use of vivid language to create mental images. | “We pictured the meek mild creatures” | This line creates a mental image of the oxen in their strawy pen. |
| Metaphor | A figure of speech that compares two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” | “So fair a fancy few would weave” | This metaphor compares the belief in the oxen kneeling to a delicate, beautiful thing. |
| Nostalgia | A sentimental longing for the past. | The entire poem is filled with nostalgia for childhood and simpler times. | The poem evokes a longing for a time when such beliefs were more common. |
| Personification | Giving human qualities to non-human things. | “Meek mild creatures” | The oxen are described as having human qualities of meekness and mildness. |
| Repetition | The repeated use of words, phrases, or sounds. | “Now they are all on their knees” | This repetition emphasizes the idea of the oxen kneeling. |
| Rhyme | The correspondence of sounds at the end of words. | “We pictured the meek mild creatures where / They dwelt in their strawy pen” | The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which creates a regular, musical rhythm. |
| Symbolism | The use of something concrete to represent something abstract. | The oxen | The oxen symbolize innocence, childhood, and a connection to nature. |
| Tone | The author’s attitude toward the subject matter. | Nostalgic, wistful | The poem conveys a sense of longing for the past and a belief in the power of childhood memories. |
| Verbal irony | Saying the opposite of what is meant. | “So fair a fancy few would weave” | This line suggests that such a belief is rare in modern times, but it also implies a personal connection to the tradition. |
| Visual imagery | The use of language to create mental images related to sight. | “We pictured the meek mild creatures where /They dwelt in their strawy pen” | This line creates a vivid image of the oxen’s surroundings. |
| Word choice | The careful selection of words to convey meaning and tone. | “Meek mild creatures” | The use of these words creates a positive and sympathetic image of the oxen. |
Themes: “The Oxen” by Thomas Hardy
1. Nostalgia and the Passage of Time: Hardy employs a nostalgic lens to explore the loss of innocence and the passage of time. The poem evokes a sense of longing for childhood and simpler times, when beliefs like the oxen kneeling on Christmas Eve were more commonplace. Lines such as “Our childhood used to know” and “In these years!” convey this nostalgic sentiment.
2. The Power of Childhood Memories: The poem highlights the enduring power of childhood memories. The speaker’s vivid recollection of the oxen kneeling on Christmas Eve suggests that these memories hold a special place in his heart. Lines like “We pictured the meek mild creatures” and “So fair a fancy few would weave” emphasize the significance of these childhood experiences.
3. The Loss of Innocence and Belief: Hardy explores the theme of the loss of innocence and belief as we grow older. The speaker’s doubt about the oxen kneeling in the present day reflects a loss of faith in the magical and supernatural. Lines like “So fair a fancy few would weave” and “I should go with him in the gloom” convey this sense of doubt and longing.
4. The Connection to Nature: The poem emphasizes the connection between humans and nature. The speaker’s reverence for the oxen and his desire to return to the “lonely barton” suggest a deep appreciation for the natural world. Lines like “We pictured the meek mild creatures” and “In the lonely barton by yonder coomb” highlight this connection.
Literary Theories and “The Oxen” by Thomas Hardy
| Literary Theory | Application to “The Oxen” | References from the Poem |
| 1. Romanticism | Romanticism emphasizes emotion, nature, and the glorification of the past. “The Oxen” reflects a longing for the simplicity and faith of childhood, and the connection to nature through the imagery of the animals and the rural setting. | The nostalgic tone of the poem, especially in lines like “In the lonely barton by yonder coomb / Our childhood used to know,” reflects a Romantic yearning for the innocence and wonder of the past. The description of the oxen as “meek mild creatures” also ties into the Romantic idealization of nature. |
| 2. Modernism | Modernism often explores themes of doubt, loss of faith, and disillusionment with traditional beliefs. “The Oxen” reflects this through the speaker’s awareness of the loss of belief in modern times, and the tension between skepticism and the desire to believe. | The speaker’s reflection, “So fair a fancy few would weave / In these years!” highlights the modernist theme of disillusionment with traditional beliefs. The poem’s structure, with its careful rhyme and meter, contrasts with the theme of uncertainty, a hallmark of Modernist literature. |
| 3. Psychoanalytic Criticism | This theory, rooted in Freudian analysis, explores the unconscious desires and fears of individuals. In “The Oxen,” the speaker’s yearning to believe in the old story of the oxen kneeling reflects a deep-seated desire for comfort and security that is rooted in childhood memories. | The line “I should go with him in the gloom, / Hoping it might be so,” suggests an unconscious wish to reclaim the lost faith and security of childhood. The “gloom” can be seen as symbolic of the unconscious mind, where these deep-seated desires reside. The poem’s reflection on belief and disbelief can be viewed as a conflict between the conscious mind’s skepticism and the unconscious mind’s desire for faith. |
Critical Questions about “The Oxen” by Thomas Hardy
· What is the significance of the oxen kneeling on Christmas Eve?
- The oxen’s kneeling on Christmas Eve holds symbolic significance in the poem. It represents a tradition that is deeply rooted in the speaker’s childhood and evokes feelings of nostalgia and wonder. This tradition may also symbolize the innocence and purity associated with Christmas. The poem invites readers to consider the meaning behind this belief and explore its personal significance.
· How does the poem explore the themes of loss and longing?
- Hardy uses the poem to explore the themes of loss and longing. The speaker’s nostalgia for his childhood and the fading belief in the oxen kneeling on Christmas Eve represent a loss of innocence and a longing for a simpler time. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of loss and longing and to consider the ways in which these emotions can shape our understanding of the world.
· What is the role of the speaker in the poem?
- The speaker plays a crucial role in the poem, serving as a lens through which readers can experience the themes and emotions presented. The speaker’s personal connection to the tradition of the oxen kneeling on Christmas Eve allows readers to empathize with his feelings of nostalgia and loss. Additionally, the speaker’s uncertainty about the truth of the tradition invites readers to question their own beliefs and assumptions.
· How does the poem’s simple language and imagery contribute to its emotional impact?
- The poem’s simple language and imagery are essential to its emotional impact. The use of vivid language to create mental images of the oxen and their surroundings helps readers to connect with the speaker’s experiences and emotions. The poem’s straightforward style also allows readers to focus on the underlying themes and meanings without being distracted by complex language or convoluted structures.
Literary Works Similar to “The Oxen” by Thomas Hardy
- “The Darkling Thrush” by Thomas Hardy: This poem shares with “The Oxen” themes of doubt, nostalgia, and the interplay between despair and a glimmer of hope, set against the backdrop of a bleak winter landscape.
- “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost: Like “The Oxen,” this poem evokes a quiet, contemplative mood in a rural winter setting, with subtle reflections on life’s deeper meanings beneath the serene surface.
- “Snow-Bound” by John Greenleaf Whittier: This poem, similar to “The Oxen,” captures the nostalgic warmth of family gatherings in winter, blending a sense of tradition with reflections on the past.
- “Christmas Eve” by Christina Rossetti: Rossetti’s poem explores the themes of faith and reflection during Christmas, similar to Hardy’s focus on the interplay between belief and doubt during the holiday season.
- “On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity” by John Milton: This poem, like “The Oxen,” reflects on the nativity scene with a blend of reverence and contemplation, drawing on the imagery of animals and the peacefulness of the Christmas setting.
Suggested Readings: “The Oxen” by Thomas Hardy
Books
- Hardy, Thomas. The Complete Poems of Thomas Hardy. Edited by James Gibson, Macmillan, 1976.
- Millgate, Michael. Thomas Hardy: His Career as a Novelist. Harvard University Press, 1994.
- Bullen, J.B. The Expressive Eye: Fiction and Perception in the Work of Thomas Hardy. Oxford University Press, 1986.
Websites
- “Thomas Hardy’s ‘The Oxen’ – Analysis.” Poem Analysis.
URL: https://www.poemanalysis.com/thomas-hardy/the-oxen/ - “The Oxen by Thomas Hardy: A Poem about Faith and Tradition.” Literary Hub.
URL: https://www.lithub.com/the-oxen-by-thomas-hardy-analysis/ - “The Oxen: Themes and Symbols.” Shmoop.
URL: https://www.shmoop.com/study-guides/poetry/the-oxen-hardy/summar
Representative Quotations of “The Oxen” by Thomas Hardy
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “Christmas Eve, and twelve of the clock.” | This line sets the scene, placing the poem on Christmas Eve at midnight, a time traditionally associated with both religious significance and superstition. | Cultural Criticism – Examines the significance of Christmas Eve in the context of tradition and collective cultural practices. |
| “Now they are all on their knees,” | An elder recounts a folk belief that oxen kneel in reverence on Christmas Eve, reflecting the deep connection between nature and spirituality. | Folklore Studies – Analyzes the persistence of folk beliefs and their role in shaping cultural narratives. |
| “An elder said as we sat in a flock / By the embers in hearthside ease.” | The group is gathered around the fire, listening to stories, symbolizing the warmth of tradition and communal belief. | Romanticism – Focuses on the nostalgic and pastoral elements of the scene, emphasizing the warmth of tradition. |
| “We pictured the meek mild creatures where / They dwelt in their strawy pen,” | The speaker imagines the oxen in their pen, embodying the innocence and humility associated with the Nativity. | Psychoanalytic Criticism – Explores the unconscious yearning for the simplicity and security of childhood beliefs. |
| “Nor did it occur to one of us there / To doubt they were kneeling then.” | The group accepts the story without question, reflecting the unquestioning faith of childhood. | Structuralism – Investigates how the poem reflects the structures of belief and the collective acceptance of narratives. |
| “So fair a fancy few would weave / In these years!” | The speaker reflects on how such beliefs are no longer common in modern times, highlighting the loss of innocence. | Modernism – Examines the theme of disillusionment and the loss of faith in the modern era. |
| “Yet, I feel, / If someone said on Christmas Eve,” | The speaker expresses a conditional longing, suggesting that despite skepticism, the desire to believe still exists. | Existentialism – Explores the tension between doubt and the existential need for belief and meaning. |
| “Come; see the oxen kneel,” | The hypothetical invitation represents the allure of returning to a simpler, more innocent time of belief. | Nostalgia Studies – Analyzes the longing for a return to past beliefs and the comfort they provided. |
| “In the lonely barton by yonder coomb / Our childhood used to know,” | The reference to childhood memories connects the speaker’s longing to specific, familiar places from the past. | Ecocriticism – Considers the connection between memory, place, and the natural world in shaping identity and belief. |
| “I should go with him in the gloom, / Hoping it might be so.” | Despite the surrounding darkness and doubt, the speaker is still drawn to the hope that the belief might be true. | Psychoanalytic Criticism – Interprets this as a manifestation of the subconscious desire to reclaim lost faith and the comfort of past certainties. |