Hardy, Thomas. "Hap".

Summary

- the speaker expresses his profound sense of general unfulfilment, emptiness, and meaninglessness

- contrasts two opposing situations: a graphic and brutal description of a malevolent God punishing man for his own enjoyment x an even more discomforting realisation of the perfect indifference of "Casualty" causing the tragedies of man

- the speaker would prefer to be tortured by a "Powerfuller" being than himself rather than to remain ignored and unnoticed by the abstract chance or "hap"

Analysis

- laments the burden of ignorance of human beings who do not know whether to blame God or mere chance for their misfortunes

- the speaker is tormented by lack of certainty in life

- cries for justice even if this should include just punishment