The Convergence of the Twain

Thomas Hardy's "The Convergence of the Twain" tells the story of the great ship Titanic, which sunk on its first voyage. Although many viewed this as one of the greatest tragedies, (helped of course by a box-office hit), Hardy seemed to think they got what was coming to them. For the poem about the tragic event is less tragic or lamenting in nature, and more condemning. The speaker uses this poem to warn of the dangers of human vanity. He points out the irony in the grandiose nature of the ship, that did it little good at the bottom of the ocean. He states "Jewels in joy designed, To ravish the sensuous mind Lie lightless, all their sparkles bleared and black and blind" (Hardy). He often points out how the ships beauty has now turned to ruin, further rubbing in the tragic fate of what he must deem a waste of pompous wealth. He further goes on to, rather insensitively, describe the beauty of the ship and its mating with an iceberg. His use of sexual language again demonstrates his view of the ship, and all the wealth it stood for.