The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy

Thomas Hardy's Life and Works

• Hardy's novel "The Mayor of Casterbridge" (1886) made him weep while writing it, and he vowed not to touch liquor again for 21 years.
• Hardy's intention was to make a tragedy out of a simple man's life, as per classical standards, in "The Mayor of Casterbridge".

The Mayor of Casterbridge (1886)

• The novel's themes revolve around the life of Michael Henchard, a tragic figure whose flaws lead to his downfall.
• Hardy's portrayal of Henchard received praise from critics for its psychological depth and compelling plot.

Tess of the D'Urbervilles (1891)

• "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" is a deliberate revision of "Pamela" and explores the theme of a poor girl from an aristocratic family.
• Hardy views Tess as unfit for her environment, rather than a victim of nature's cruelty or indifference.
• The novel's subtitle, "A Pure Woman", was provocative and sparked controversy.

Jude the Obscure (1895)

• The novel explores social problems in Victorian England, including marriage, the Church, and education.
• The novel spans 19 years, and Jude's experiences make him seem much older than his 30 years.
• Hardy's purpose in writing the novel was to explore doubt as a transfer of faith.

Far from the Madding Crowd (1874)

• The novel is set in Thomas Hardy's fictional region of Wessex in rural southwest England.
• The title is taken from Thomas Gray's poem "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" (1751).
• The novel focuses on themes of female autonomy, identity, and resilience, particularly through the character of Bathsheba Everdene.

Hardy and the Natural World

• Hardy's father was a stonemason, and he was apprenticed to a local architect.
• Hardy's writing often explores the natural world, which can be benevolent or malevolent, but ultimately amoral and indifferent to human happiness or survival.