Thomas Hardy Novels
Rob and I just finished watching a series by A&E of the book “Tess of the D’Urbervilles” by Thomas Hardy. I can’t get it out of my head because the story is not typical of the era in which it was written. Hardy was born in 1840 about twenty five years after the Bronte sisters (Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights) and their well-loved novels. Hardy was different because he really gets into the suffering and the realities that were, and are still, a part of life. He was heavily criticized at the time they were published because of their strong, frank, content. He eventually gave up writing novels and stuck to poetry because of it. Although I’d like to hope that nobody’s life is quite as miserable as some of the characters he created, they certainly stick with you and make you reevaluate your judgements of others’ lives.
Rob and I listened to an abridged version of “The Mayor of Casterbridge,” another of Hardy’s books, on a road trip. These two novels are probably considered his best two. “The Mayor of Casterbridge” is the story of a man who creates his own misery by selling off his wife and child while drunk, while “Tess of the D’Urbervilles” is about a woman who’s misery is caused by a man that takes advantage of her innocence and youth, and she cannot escape the effects of his actions. In spite of her struggles, she still believes that she may find happiness and works diligently to find her own way to it.
Personally, the mayor’s plight is easier to swallow than Tess’ because it was his own doing that lead him down his life’s path. I don’t want to give away too much of the plot in case you want to read the book or watch the movie. Be warned, they are not something you want to watch when you’re looking for a warm fuzzy romance. However, I still recommend them because of the strength of the characters and the story’s ability to draw you in to their experiences. I feel like I’m not really able to get out on paper (or computer) what I want to say, because there are so many thoughts rumbling around in there. But, if you’re not depressed, and looking for a good read, or movie, give these stories a try.
Rob, didn’t you have to read Tess in Ms. Newburn’s class as “punishment”? I can’t remember which book she assigned you, but I thought that was it. I haven’t read either of these, but they do sound good, you’ve piqued my interest, thanks for the review Amy!
Wow, that’s a trip down memory lane. No, it was a different book.
I had Ms. Newburn for English in my junior year of high school. She had assigned the class to read “Catcher In The Rye,” a book I had already bought and started to read but stopped a couple of chapters in because of the swearing and vulgar language. When assigning it to the class, she gave us this big speech about how there are some words in it that our mommies and daddies might not like so if anyone wanted to close their eyes to the real world and not read it, she would assign that person a different book.
After class I went to her and told her I wanted a different book. I still remember the exchange we had. She asked me, “So, do you walk around the halls here at school with your fingers in your ears?” and I just responded, “I control what I can.”
She assigned me “My Antonia” by Willa Cather. The irony is that I ended up really liking it. I have good memories of going off to the library by myself while the rest of the class discussed Catcher In The Rye (I was the only one who asked for a different book) and reading My Antonia. I really got lost in it. I’m sure that annoyed Ms. Newburn to no end.
That was it! I knew it had a girl’s name in the title, but I couldn’t remember which one. I always thought she was so vindictive and crummy. It was like she thought that book would shame or embarrass you into reading the Catcher in the Rye or something. Ms.Newburn sucked, I could not stand that woman. She mocked me and Elan openly in class when we said one time we wanted to be Moms for our careers. Some people. I always admired you for doing that Rob, I don’t know if I ever said so, but I thought even more highly of you after you told me that whole story.
I’ve never read “The Mayor of Casterbridge”, but I have mixed feelings about “Tess of the D’Urbervilles”. I have a hard time reading depressing things for entertainment. It’s too frustrating. But, I often think about a certain part where Tess’ baby is really sick and about to die but the priest won’t baptize the baby. Desparately afraid that her baby will go to @#!*% , Tess baptizes her baby by herself at home. It was just such a touching scene where she does as much as she can to save her baby spiritually, where the Church had refused her.
I like your advice…”If you’re not depressed…” 😀
Holly, I thought that scene was sweet too. It is frustrating though, you want to just wring the priests neck and say, “You just don’t get it! What’s wrong with you?” Even more heart wrenching is Tess burying him herself in secret because they also refused him a Christian burial.