How is the third stanza a contrast to the previous stanza?

Hardy's best known bird poem was written on December 31, 1900, but its acknowledgment of defiant hope, or even optimism, still holds good.

On the basis of your reading choose the most appropriate option.

What is the setting of the poem?

Answer the following briefly.

Why doesn't the speaker feel joyous while the bird could see the good things ahead?

Answer the following briefly.

Identify the following:

• time of the day

• time of the year

• place where the poet finds himself