Where the Picnic Was (Thomas Hardy)

Where the Picnic Was by Thomas Hardy reflects on the passage of time and the memories associated with a past picnic. The speaker revisits the site where the picnic once took place, describing the scene in both its present state and as it was during the summer gathering. Despite the changes brought by time, such as the cold wind and grey grass, remnants of the picnic remain, symbolised by the burnt circle and charred stick-ends. The speaker reflects on the absence of some of the participants, noting how two have moved away from the countryside to the city, while one has passed away. You can read the poem below and find analysis further down the page.

Where the Picnic Was by Thomas Hardy

Where we made the fire

In the summer time

Of branch and briar

On the hill to the sea,

I slowly climb

Through winter mire,

And scan and trace

The forsaken place

Quite readily.

Now a cold wind blows,

And the grass is grey,

But the spot still shows

As a burnt circle – aye,

And stick-ends, charred,

Still strew the sward

Whereon I stand,

Last relic of the band

Who came that day!

Yes, I am here

Just as last year,

And the sea breathes brine

From its strange straight line

Up hither, the same

As when we four came.

– But two have wandered far

From this grassy rise

Into urban roar

Where no picnics are,

And one – has shut her eyes

For evermore.

Analysis:

Title Significance:

The title, "Where the Picnic Was," immediately sets the scene and indicates that the poem will focus on the site where a picnic once occurred. This title also hints at themes of memory and nostalgia.

Setting:

The poem is set on a hill overlooking the sea, where the picnic took place during the summer. The setting is characterised by its natural beauty and tranquillity, but also by the changes brought by time.

Imagery and Sensory Language:

Hardy employs vivid imagery to evoke the sights and sounds of the hillside, such as "branch and briar," "winter mire," and "burnt circle."

The imagery creates a sense of nostalgia and longing, as the speaker reflects on the memories associated with the site.

Structure:

The poem consists of five stanzas, each with varying lengths and irregular rhyme schemes.

The structure mirrors the speaker's reflective mood, with each stanza capturing a different aspect of the scene and the memories associated with it.

Tone and Mood:

The tone is nostalgic and contemplative, with a sense of longing and sadness for the passage of time and the loss of the past.

The mood is sombre and introspective, inviting the reader to share in the speaker's reflections on memory and mortality.

Themes:

Memory and Nostalgia: The poem explores the theme of memory and nostalgia, as the speaker reflects on the past picnic and the memories associated with it.

Transience and Change: The poem reflects on the passage of time and the changes that have occurred since the picnic took place, as seen in the desolate landscape and the absence of the past gathering.

Mortality and Loss: The poem also touches on themes of mortality and loss, as the speaker reflects on the absence of some of the people who shared the picnic and the inevitability of death.

Symbolism:

The "burnt circle" and "charred stick-ends" symbolise the remnants of the past picnic and the memories associated with it.

The sea symbolises the passage of time and the continuity of life, as it remains unchanged despite the changes that have occurred on the hillside.

Language and Diction:

Hardy's language is descriptive and evocative, with an emphasis on vivid imagery and sensory detail.

The use of repetition, such as "Yes, I am here / Just as last year," adds emphasis and rhythm to the poem, enhancing its emotional impact.

Conclusion:

Where the Picnic Was by Thomas Hardy is a poignant poem that reflects on the passage of time, memory, and loss. Through vivid imagery and reflective language, Hardy invites the reader to reflect on the changes brought by time and the enduring power of memory to connect us to the past.

You can find analysis of all the Edexcel Time and Place Poetry Anthology Poems here.