He Never Expected Much

Question 1

Summarise the poem

Answer 1

Not expecting the world to give you everything

Question 2

The speaker addresses the “World” . What is the technique and why is it effective?

Answer 2

This technique is called an apostrophe and here Hardy personifies the world and almost creates a conversation with it.

Question 3

Why might have Hardy written this poem?

Answer 3

To teach that if you have low expectations of life, you will never be disappointed.

Question 4

What feelings about life does Hardy convey in the poem?

Answer 4

• If you have low expectations of life, you will never be disappointed
• Uses personification in “Well, World, you have kept faith with me”
• Suggests the world is a trusted friend and never let him down. Hardy is content
• “faith” - religious connotations, maybe God helped him throughout life
• “Just neutral-tinted haps and such” suggests life isn’t always bright and that a neutral life leads to a happy one
• Reveals the importance of a simple and humble life