Do you think the mood of the speaker in Thomas Hardy’s “The Darkling Thrush” changes because of the thrush’s song? Explain.
Yes, the mood of the speaker in Thomas Hardy's "The Darkling Thrush" does change because of the thrush's song. Initially, the speaker is feeling bleak and desolate as he stands in the dark and dreary landscape on the eve of the new year. However, when he hears the thrush singing from the darkness, there is a shift in his mood.
The thrush's song is described as "evensong" and is full of joy and optimism, in stark contrast to the speaker's feelings of despair. The beauty and vitality of the bird's song interrupt the speaker's pessimism and bring a sense of hope and renewal. The speaker is struck by the contrast between the bird's joyful singing and the harsh winter landscape, and this serves to lift his spirits and inspire a sense of life and vitality.
Overall, the thrush's song serves as a catalyst for a transformation in the speaker's mood, shifting him from desolation to a sense of hope and possibility. It shows how the power of nature and music can have a profound impact on our emotions and mindset.