Question

What is ironic about the song of the thrush in “The Darkling Thrush”?

Answer 1

The answer is: The thrush is old and frail and shouldn’t be able to sing at all.

Irony is the use of language to mean the opposite. In the poem "The Darkling Thrush," by Thomas Hardy, the narrator cannot believe that such an old, beaten bird has the energy and enthusiasm to sing so lively. The reason is the poet feels depressed in the winter English weather, and wonders why anyone would want to enjoy life to the fullest and find a reason to exist when the weather is so cold and gray.

Answer 2

The Answer is D: The winter is bleak and deathlike,but the thrush is singing cheerfully.