1. During Wind and Rain - Main Themes
... "creeping" has subtle undertones of unstoppable power of the time. It also comes with connotations of sneaking up on you unawares. The contrasting final two lines mention "storm-birds" which ominously foreshadows the coming of a storm, or "Wind and Rain" that the birds are flying from. In the third stanza Hardy shows the coming storm values equality, by adding "men and maidens ... new house." The final line in the final stanza in the saddest yet, as it confirms their demise. The weather is used to subtly affect feeling as the stereotypically sad rain "ploughs" "down their carved names."...
- Word Count: 905
- Approx Pages: 4
- Grade Level: High School