Hardy also wrote (journal entry fro 19 April 1885), "The business of the poet and novelist is to show the sorriness underlying the grandest things, and the grandeur underlying the sorriest things." Can you apply this philosophy to Return of the Native? Where?
2 comments:
In some situations in the novel this philosophy could be applied. In the end when Eustacia drowns, it is good in the fact that she can no longer try and ruin the lives of those on the heath. But it is also one of the saddest moments because Clym still loved Eustacia and after her death was cloistered for a while. Thomasin was also very depressed after the death of Wildeve, but it turned out to be grand for her because she eventually married Diggory who treated her better than Wildeve ever did. The philosophy of having the saddest moments also be the grandest can be applied to some situations in the novel.
That's a nifty quote. In addition to specific events in the novel, this can be applied to the overall theme of rural vs. city life. Eustacia dreams of grandeur in Paris and is disgusted with the simplicity of the heath. She hates the ignorant farmers and views herself as above them. In her scheming to escape the heath, she makes a big mess for herself and uncovers the "sorriness" underlying her dreams for a grander life. In the end, the happy characters that remain are those that love the simple life in the country and appreciate its beauty and comfort.
Post a Comment