Exploring Thomas Hardy’s “In Time of ‘The Breaking of Nations’”: Lessons in Resilience and Reflection for the Classroom

Thomas Hardy’s poem “In Time of ‘The Breaking of Nations’” offers a poignant reflection on the timeless themes of war, conflict, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit. With its evocative imagery and profound insights, this poem provides valuable lessons for students grappling with the complexities of history and the enduring quest for peace. Here are some inspiring lessons and online resources to guide your exploration of Hardy’s poem with your students:

1. Contextual Understanding: Begin by providing students with context about Thomas Hardy’s life and the historical context in which “In Time of ‘The Breaking of Nations’” was written. Discuss Hardy’s experiences as a Victorian-era author and poet and how his observations of society influenced the themes and messages of the poem.

2. Close Reading: Dive into a close reading of “In Time of ‘The Breaking of Nations,’” examining Hardy’s use of language, imagery, and poetic devices to convey his message. Encourage students to analyze the structure of the poem, including its rhythmic flow and the significance of its title, and discuss the meaning of each stanza in relation to the poem as a whole.

3. Exploring Themes: Engage students in discussions about the themes of war, conflict, resilience, and the human condition that permeate “In Time of ‘The Breaking of Nations’.” Encourage them to reflect on Hardy’s portrayal of the impact of war on individuals and communities and how it resonates with historical and contemporary conflicts.

4. Historical Perspective: Provide opportunities for students to explore the historical context of the poem and its relevance to broader themes of war and peace throughout history. Encourage them to research key events and conflicts referenced in the poem and consider their lasting impact on society and the human psyche.

5. Personal Reflection: Encourage students to reflect on their own understanding of war, conflict, and the pursuit of peace in their own lives and communities. Invite them to consider how Hardy’s poem inspires them to contemplate the human capacity for resilience and the enduring quest for reconciliation in times of turmoil.

Online Resources:

• “In Time of ‘The Breaking of Nations’” Full Text: Read the full text of the poem on the Poetry Foundation website – Access the complete text of Thomas Hardy’s poem along with additional background information and analysis.
• Analysis of “In Time of ‘The Breaking of Nations’” by Poem Analysis: Poem Analysis – Explore a detailed analysis of “In Time of ‘The Breaking of Nations’” by Poem Analysis, including themes, motifs, and literary devices used by Thomas Hardy in the poem.
• Thomas Hardy Biography: Biography.com – Learn more about the life and works of Thomas Hardy, including his contributions to literature and his impact on society.

By incorporating Thomas Hardy’s “In Time of ‘The Breaking of Nations’” into your classroom curriculum, you can inspire students to contemplate the enduring consequences of war and the timeless quest for peace and reconciliation. Let Hardy’s poignant words be a source of reflection and empathy as students grapple with the complexities of human conflict and the resilience of the human spirit.

Online Resources For Teaching Poetry in the Classroom:

• Poetry Foundation (poetryfoundation.org)
• Academy of American Poets (poets.org)
• Scholastic Poetry Resources (scholastic.com/teachers/genres/poetry)
• ReadWriteThink Poetry Resources (readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/grade/k-12/genre-115)

This is part of my National Poetry Month resources for the classroom. Be sure to check out some of my other resources here.