The Convergence of the Twain
Encyclopedia
The Convergence of the Twain (Lines on the loss of the "Titanic") is a poem by Thomas Hardy
, published in 1915. The poem describes the sinking of the ocean liner
Titanic on April 15, 1912. Convergence consists of eleven stanzas (I through XI) of three lines each, following the AAA rhyme pattern.
One interpretation holds that Hardy's controversial poem contrasts the materialism and hubris of mankind with the integrity and beauty of nature. This is said to be done in an almost satirical manner given the absence of any compassion, or even reference, towards the loss of life that accompanied the ship's sinking.
The convergence of the Twain is also a poem by Simon Armitage
very much mimicking the style of Hardy. Armitage's version describes the events of 9/11 and also consists of 11 stanzas.
Unlike the poem from which it takes its inspiration, Armitage's Convergence of the Twain puts more emphasis on the human tragedy
and loss of life as well as also including the disaster's portrayal in the media.
Thomas Hardy
Thomas Hardy, OM was an English novelist and poet. While his works typically belong to the Naturalism movement, several poems display elements of the previous Romantic and Enlightenment periods of literature, such as his fascination with the supernatural.While he regarded himself primarily as a...
, published in 1915. The poem describes the sinking of the ocean liner
Ocean liner
An ocean liner is a ship designed to transport people from one seaport to another along regular long-distance maritime routes according to a schedule. Liners may also carry cargo or mail, and may sometimes be used for other purposes .Cargo vessels running to a schedule are sometimes referred to as...
Titanic on April 15, 1912. Convergence consists of eleven stanzas (I through XI) of three lines each, following the AAA rhyme pattern.
Tercet
A tercet is composed of three lines of poetry, forming a stanza or a complete poem. English-language haiku is an example of an unrhymed tercet poem...
One interpretation holds that Hardy's controversial poem contrasts the materialism and hubris of mankind with the integrity and beauty of nature. This is said to be done in an almost satirical manner given the absence of any compassion, or even reference, towards the loss of life that accompanied the ship's sinking.
The convergence of the Twain is also a poem by Simon Armitage
Simon Armitage
Simon Armitage CBE is a British poet, playwright, and novelist.-Life and career:Simon Armitage was born in Marsden, West Yorkshire. Armitage first studied at Colne Valley High School, Linthwaite, Huddersfield and went on to study geography at Portsmouth Polytechnic...
very much mimicking the style of Hardy. Armitage's version describes the events of 9/11 and also consists of 11 stanzas.
Unlike the poem from which it takes its inspiration, Armitage's Convergence of the Twain puts more emphasis on the human tragedy
Tragedy (event)
A tragedy is an event in which one or more losses, usually of human life, occurs that is viewed as mournful. Such an event is said to be tragic....
and loss of life as well as also including the disaster's portrayal in the media.