The Convergence of the Twain
The Convergence of the Twain (Lines on the loss of the "Titanic") is a poem by Thomas Hardy, published in 1915. The poem describes the sinking of the ocean liner Titanic on April 15, 1912. Convergence consists of eleven stanzas (I through XI) of three lines each, following the AAA rhyme pattern.
One interpretation holds that Hardy's controversial poem contrasts the materialism and hubris of mankind with the integrity and beauty of nature. This is said to be done in an almost satirical manner given the absence of any compassion, or even reference, towards the loss of life that accompanied the ship's sinking.
The convergence of the Twain is also a poem by Simon Armitage very much mimicking the style of Hardy. Armitage's version describes the events of 9/11 and also consists of 11 stanzas.
Unlike the poem from which it takes its inspiration, Armitage's Convergence of the Twain puts more emphasis on the human tragedy and loss of life as well as also including the disaster's portrayal in the media.
