Thomas Hardy

Definition

Thomas Hardy was an English novelist and poet, known for his critical examination of societal norms and human relationships during the late 19th century. His works often reflect the complexities of life in Victorian England, challenging the moral codes and values of the time by portraying characters that struggle against fate and societal expectations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hardy's novels, such as 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles' and 'Jude the Obscure,' often depict the struggles of individuals against oppressive societal norms.
2. His writing style incorporates elements of realism and naturalism, focusing on the harsh realities of life and the limitations placed on characters by their circumstances.
3. Hardy was originally a poet before becoming a novelist, and he continued to write poetry throughout his life, which often reflects similar themes as his prose.
4. He had a critical view of Victorian values, particularly regarding marriage, gender roles, and social class, frequently portraying characters who are trapped by these expectations.
5. Despite facing criticism during his lifetime for his controversial themes, Hardy's work has gained recognition over time for its depth and insight into human nature.

Review Questions

• How does Thomas Hardy's portrayal of characters in his novels reflect the Victorian values and moral codes of his time?
  • Thomas Hardy's portrayal of characters often reveals the tension between individual desires and societal expectations. His characters frequently grapple with issues such as class constraints, gender roles, and the institution of marriage, which were pivotal aspects of Victorian values. By depicting characters like Tess Durbeyfield and Jude Fawley as victims of their circumstances, Hardy critiques these moral codes, suggesting that they can lead to suffering and tragedy.
• In what ways does Hardy's use of the Wessex setting enhance the themes found in his works related to Victorian society?
  • The Wessex setting in Hardy's novels serves as more than just a backdrop; it reflects the social dynamics and rural life of Victorian England. The landscape influences the characters’ experiences and decisions, often symbolizing their struggles against fate and societal norms. This setting allows Hardy to explore themes such as isolation, class disparity, and the impact of industrialization on traditional ways of life, enhancing his critique of Victorian moral codes.
• Evaluate how Hardy's perspective on determinism shapes the narrative structure of his stories and the development of his characters.
  • Hardy's perspective on determinism significantly shapes both the narrative structure and character development in his stories. His characters often appear trapped by their circumstances, suggesting that their fates are predetermined by societal constraints and hereditary influences. This deterministic viewpoint creates a sense of inevitability in his narratives, emphasizing that characters' struggles are not merely personal failures but rather reflections of broader societal issues. By intertwining these themes with the tragic arcs of his protagonists, Hardy invites readers to question the validity of Victorian moral codes that dictate personal responsibility.

Related terms

Naturalism:

A literary movement that emphasizes the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior, often presenting a deterministic view of life.

Wessex: A fictional region created by Hardy, based on the rural landscape of southwestern England, which serves as the setting for many of his novels.

Determinism: The philosophical belief that all events, including human actions, are determined by previously existing causes, often explored in Hardy's works.