The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy

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Author Hardy, Thomas, 1840-1928
Title The Return of the Native
Note Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Return_of_the_Native
Note Reading ease score: 80.1 (6th grade). Easy to read.
Credits E-text prepared by Joseph E. Loewenstein, M.D., and John Hamm
Summary "The Return of the Native" by Thomas Hardy is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in the somber and wild landscape of Egdon Heath, a backdrop that plays a crucial role in shaping the characters' lives and destinies. The main characters include Thomasin Yeobright, who finds herself entangled in a complicated romantic situation, and the mysterious reddleman, Diggory Venn, who harbors feelings for her amidst his challenging profession and unconventional existence. At the start of the novel, the vastness of Egdon Heath is introduced during a twilight setting in November. An old man, potentially a former naval officer, traverses the lonely road along the heath when he encounters a reddleman, distinguished by his striking red attire and occupation of carrying a load of redding for sheep. Their exchange hints at hidden troubles as they discuss a young woman carried in the reddleman’s van. Soon after, a group of local men, including Thomasin's cousin Clym, are engaged in preparing bonfires to celebrate Guy Fawkes' night. The narrative quickly reveals that Thomasin has recently eloped with her husband, only for complications to arise when their marriage is thwarted by a clerical error. This lays the groundwork for a rich exploration of fate, social expectations, and personal desire in the context of rural life. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PR: Language and Literatures: English literature
Subject Adultery -- Fiction
Subject Didactic fiction
Subject Love stories
Subject Mate selection -- Fiction
Subject Wessex (England) -- Fiction
Subject Mothers and sons -- Fiction
Subject People with visual disabilities -- Fiction
Subject Heathlands -- Fiction
Category Text
EBook-No. 17500
Release Date
Most Recently Updated May 4, 2020
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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