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Ancestor Quote by Rebecca West

“one of Mr. [Thomas] Hardy's ancestors must have married a weeping willow. There are pages and pages in his collected poems which are simply plain narratives in ballad form of how an unenjoyable time was had by all.” quote by Rebecca West
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“one of Mr. [Thomas] Hardy's ancestors must have married a weeping willow. There are pages and pages in his collected poems which are simply plain narratives in ballad form of how an unenjoyable time was had by all.”

Rebecca West

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The Unquiet Englishman,” 1935

She humorously links Hardy’s ancestry to a weeping willow, noting his poems often read like ballads about hardship.

In simple terms: Hardy’s poems are plain ballads of hardship.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the melancholy in literary ancestry.

Themes

literature humor hardship

Mood

reflective wry

Type

literary analytical

When to use this quote

  • reading classic poetry
  • studying literary influences

Key Concepts

ballad form ancestry poetic style

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the weeping willow symbolize?
  • How does humor affect perception of tragedy?
A Different Perspective

May simplify Hardy’s complex themes.

2.2 out of 5 (5 ratings)

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