Hardy’s
art of plot-construction in Return of the Native
Symmetry and unity: The plots in
the novels of Hardy show a remarkable unity and symmetry. Hardy’s training as
an architect seems to have greatly influenced his art in theconstruction
of his plots. The RETURN OF THE NATIVE has a plot which admirably built and
constructed. The plot largely follows the logic of cause and effect (even
though chance too plays its part) and it is free from any superfluities and
digressions. The plot is well-knit and the various love-stories are interwoven.
The setting of the story, namely Egdon Heath remains the same, is a great
unity. In observing the unities, this novel has the stamp of ancient classical
tragedy.
A Typical Hardy-tragedy: RETURN
OF THE NATIVE is quite typical of Hardy’s peculiar genius and fully illustrates
Hardy’s view of tragedy. In considering any tragic work, whether it takes the
form of a play or a novel, we have to ask the following questions: (1)
What sort of persons are the victims of suffering? (2) What are the causes of
the disaster or catastrophe that engulfs them? (3) What is the emotional
reaction of the audience or the readers to the suffering depicted and what is
the nature of the impact that the spectacle of human misery makes on them? (4)
What is the writer’s view of human nature in general (be it good or bad)? The
NR answers all the questions. (discuss the background of the novel and the
characters).
The causes of disaster in a
tragedy. The clash of human wills and purposes: as previously
studied.
The working of fate, incidents
and the hostility of nature: as previously studied.
The emotional impact: The
tragic scenes in the novel are very powerful indeed. Hardy’s description of the
circumstances in which Mrs. Yeobright dies is intensely moving. The effect of
her death on Clym’s mind and the haunting sense of guilt which he experiences
is also touching. The death of Eustacia, whether accidental or
suicidal, create powerful impact on our minds. The descriptions of tragic
happenings give rise to a wide range of emotions in our hearts – pity, fear,
terror, awe, admiration etc. A “Catharsis” of the feelings of pity and fear is
certainly effected, if by “Catharsis” we mean simply a feeling of relief
achieved though an intense experience of the twin feelings of pity and fear.
The essentials of the
plot: The pictorial opening of the novel is famous. It introduces Egdon Heath,
which has been regarded as one of the principal characters in the novel. After
dealing with the Heath, Hardy introduces human characters. The first to appear
is Eustacia Vye who is disgruntled with life and is entangled in a secret
love-affair with the local inn-keeper, Wildeve. (Give summary).
Thomasin and Reddleman essential
to the story: The main plot namely the growth of love between Clym and
Eustacia, their marriage, the conjugal unhappiness of the two and the
drowning tragedy follows a logical course, despite certain flaws. (Describe
their love-affair and the role of these two characters in the main story.
The role of Egdon Heath: as
previously studied
Dramatic Scenes: describe Mrs.
Yeobright’s haste towards Thomasin’s marriage, her death, the Reddleman’s
sudden appearance at the game of dice between Cantle and Wildeve, the bitter
quarrel between Eustacia and Mrs. Yeobright are all the dramatic senses.
Faults and Lapses: The plot
construction, however, is not perfect. It suffers from several flaws. Some of
the devices used by Hardy are rather crude and some of the incidents and
accidents are quite unconvincing that a shrewd woman like Mrs., Yeobright could
have trusted a simpleton like Christian Cantle with a considerable sum of money.
It is hard to believe that luck, at the game of dice, should first favor
Wildeve and then the reddleman. The whole visit of Mrs. Yeobright to her son’s
home is quite unconvincing. Another feature of the novel which could be termed
as a fault is the numerous comments that Hardy makes in the course of the
narrative. These comments are uncalled for and irrelevant.
The role of rustic characters as comic
relief: as previously studied.
Hardy’s view of human nature: as
previously studied.
No comments:
Post a Comment