Question

Identify and explain a symbol or a theme from "Neutral Tones."

a) The dead leaves symbolize the end of a romantic relationship.
b) The theme is the resilience of love and nature's beauty.
c) The frozen pond symbolizes the purity of the poet's emotions.
d) The theme is the passionate intensity of love.

Answer 1

In Thomas Hardy's poem 'Neutral Tones,' the dead leaves symbolize the end of a romantic relationship, reflecting the overarching theme of fading love and emotional desolation, rather than resilience or passionate intensity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The poem Neutral Tones by Thomas Hardy is best understood by examining its symbols and themes. One of the symbols in the poem is the dead leaves, which symbolize the end of a romantic relationship. This symbolism contributes to the overriding theme of the poem, which is not about the resilience of love nor its passionate intensity, but rather the fading of love and the disappointment that can accompany it. This theme is a nuanced exploration of the disintegration of a relationship, reflecting Hardy's often bleak view of human connections. Analyzing the motifs and word choices in Neutral Tones is essential for identifying this thematic focus. For instance, Hardy's use of the frozen pond draws attention not to the purity of emotions, but to their barren, lifeless state — much like the love that once existed between the speaker and his partner.