Reviews of Thomas Hardy's The Return of the Native often highlight the novel's richly drawn characters and evocative portrayal of Egdon Heath as strengths. Critics appreciate Hardy's exploration of human desires and social constraints. However, some find the plot slow-paced and dense. Overall, it remains a significant, though sometimes challenging, work in Hardy’s oeuvre.

A reader who enjoys richly detailed rural settings, complex characters, and themes of fate and human yearning, akin to those found in Wuthering Heights or Tess of the d'Urbervilles, will appreciate Thomas Hardy's The Return of the Native. This novel is ideal for fans of classic literature that explores the human condition against the backdrop of nature.

Thomas Hardy’s The Return of the Native chronicles the lives of the inhabitants of Egdon Heath, centering on Eustacia Vye, who yearns for a more glamorous life, and her interactions with Clym Yeobright and Damon Wildeve, leading to turmoil and tragedy. Themes include class, fate, and social change, as characters navigate complex relationships and their desires for love and escape. This novel includes instances of mental health struggles, death, and drowning.

Melancholic / Contemplative / Mysterious / Dark / Bittersweet

Thomas Hardy

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Return of the Native and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Return of the Native Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Return of the Native Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Three Women”

Part 1, Chapters 1-11

The Return of the Native Part 1, Chapters 1-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Arrival”

Part 2, Chapters 1-8

The Return of the Native Part 2, Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Fascination”

Part 3, Chapters 1-8

The Return of the Native Part 3, Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Closed Door”

Part 4, Chapters 1-8

The Return of the Native Part 4, Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “The Discovery”

Part 5, Chapters 1-9

The Return of the Native Part 5, Chapters 1-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Aftercourses”

Part 6, Chapters 1-4

The Return of the Native Part 6, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Return of the Native Character Analysis

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Themes

The Return of the Native Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Return of the Native Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

The Return of the Native Literary Devices

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Important Quotes

The Return of the Native Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Return of the Native Essay Topics

The Return of the Native

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Return of the Native?

Reading Age

Book Details