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A STUDY ON CONFLUENCE OF MAN AND NATURE IN THOMAS HARDY' S NOVEL
S E. John Mathew Dr. Kalyana Chakravarthi Thirunagar
Abstract:
Thomas Hardy, a master of the 19th-century English novel, is renowned for his intricate exploration of the human condition within the vast tapestry of the natural world. His novels, often set in the rugged landscapes of rural Wessex, delve deeply into the intricate relationship between man and nature, revealing a profound interconnectedness that shapes both individual destinies and societal structures. Hardy's novels are imbued with a sense of nature's omnipresence, where the landscape is not merely a backdrop but an active participant in the lives of his characters. The Wessex heeds, a region of rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and windswept heaths, becomes a character in its own right, influencing the emotions, behaviors, and ultimately, the fates of his protagonists. In "The Return of the Native," Egdon Heath, a desolate and imposing landscape, serves as a symbol of nature's indifference to human aspirations. Its bleak beauty mirrors the characters' internal struggles, highlighting the fragility of human existence against the backdrop of an indifferent universe. Hardy's characters are often inextricably linked to the natural world, their lives shaped by the rhythms of the seasons and the forces of nature. In "Tess of the D'Urbervilles," the protagonist's fate is intertwined with the cyclical nature of the agricultural year, as she is both victim and beneficiary of the land's bounty and its harsh realities. The novel's climactic scene, where Tess is executed amidst a backdrop of a serene natural landscape, underscores the stark contrast between the beauty of nature and the cruelty of human society.