Psalm 142, verse 2: “No one cared…” This Bible verse applies perfectly to “In Tenebris,” a poem written out of desperation for the society in which lived Hardy. He expresses pity and contempt for materialistic citizens and power-hungry leaders. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The rhyme scheme is playful and simply joyful (abab), something similar to a child's poem. This dashing rhyme scheme contrasts sharply with the mood of the poet and the atmosphere of the poem. The model may reflect the optimism of society, which is actually hollow and full of sorrow. It should be noted that each stanza ends with the word "here". This may be a cryptic attempt to tell the reader that he or she is not being noticed or “heard” (a homophone). Just as most readers would ignore the double meaning of the word "here," society ignores Hardy's cries and warnings. The poem features dusty and smoky images. Unlike sunny weather, dusty weather can symbolize an allusion. In the dust or smoke we cannot see properly and therefore do not realize the reality of what is happening around us. The people in his society are blind and mistaken in their optimism. Perhaps this is the message he wants to send to his readers. The images of wind and breezes symbolize how this happiness is temporary, like our stay in this world. “Go lightly, they come lightly; their dust smokes around their quarry” The poet uses sarcasm as a unique way of expressing his feelings. He also emphasizes the seriousness of the situation: “And my eyes have not the vision in them to discern what is so clear.” Hardy talks about the reason for their happiness and optimism. He suggests that there is no reason to be happy; these blind people see something that is not there. “Their dawns bring vigorous joys, it seems their evenings are all that is sweet” indicates that vigorous joys have sexual implications. It is unlikely that the poet, being a man of nature, considers sex the ultimate sweetness. The people around him apparently feel like they are making the most of their time. It's Hardy who knows that there are things in life other than money, power and sex. There is a nature that contains an infinite number of elements waiting to be explored. Thomas Hardy is famous for his pessimistic poems; naturally, extreme optimism would irritate him. Therefore, a feeling of hatred against the rulers can be seen in the poem. The rulers or elite give the impression that all is well in their kingdom, that they and their subjects are happy and having the best time of their lives: "All is well with us" and "Our time is an age blessed.” Their whole life (similar to ours) revolves around their career and new ideas for making money. In such a hectic life, they often forget to appreciate beautiful things like nature or religion: “Their dust smokes around their career”. Those (like the poet) who complain are whiners. They would complain even if everything was fine. “The Ruers should be sorry.” “Ruers” is not an English dictionary word. The poet invented this word to reflect his invented stories about perfect lives. However, the poet implies that the only thing that will affect these rulers is nature. When nature “answers the cries of many and loud,” they will realize how wrong they were to indulge in evil practices. Perhaps nature echoes natural disasters. The poet feels.