"Hap" (1934)

1. Note the meaning of the title: chance. Hardy's philosophical problem was that the universe did not seem to be ordered in some way, but left to chance.
2. What would the speaker like to have God tell him? Why a vengeful god?
3. Look at the second stanza. Why would he be able to handle it if a vengeful god took joy in his suffering?
4. What does the speaker see, the final stanza, rules the universe?

"Channel Firing" (1944)

1. Read stanzas one and two. What is the setting?
2. "God" says no, it is not the rapture, only practice for war. What else is said about war by God?
3. What do the spirits muse about?
4. What is the last stanza about?

"The Convergence of the Twain" (1945)

1. In the first stanza, we get more than setting. The ship is alone ("solitude") and away from "human vanity" and "the Pride of Life". Why is that important to note?
2. In stanzas 2-4, we see more evidence of the pride of those who built the ship. What is it?
3. In stanza 5, the fish ask what the ship is doing here? What is the answer? What is ironic about planning a "wedding"? What do you make of Hardy’s idea of the driving force behind the disaster?
4. What is the vision of God in this poem? That is what kind of God might Hardy be referring to?