THE INFLUENCE OF NATURALISM AND SOCIETY IN THOMAS HARDY’S WORKS
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Abstract
Thomas Hardy is often classified as one of the most prominent writers of the Victorian era, renowned for his exploration of the darker aspects of human life. His works, particularly his novels, are heavily influenced by Naturalism, a literary movement that emphasizes the power of the environment, heredity, and social circumstances on human behavior. Hardy’s portrayal of life and society often challenges the idealistic portrayals popular in his time, delving into themes of fatalism, social constraints, and human suffering. Through his complex characters and intricate narratives, Hardy critiques the social structures of Victorian England while exploring the impact of these forces on individuals' lives.
Keywords: naturalism, movement, heredity, portrayal, idealistic, characters, narratives, realism, framework
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References
Hardy, Thomas. Tess of the d'Urbervilles. (1891).
This novel portrays the tragic consequences of a woman’s life shaped by her social and economic circumstances, highlighting the naturalistic themes of fate and social injustice.
Hardy, Thomas. The Return of the Native. (1878).
The novel illustrates how the rigid social and class structures of rural life, as well as the natural world, can trap individuals in tragic cycles.
Zola, Émile. The Experimental Novel. (1880).
This text provides an essential framework for understanding the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of Naturalism, which Hardy employs in his works.
Pite, Ralph. Thomas Hardy and the Natural World. (2006).
This book explores Hardy’s use of nature as a backdrop for his critiques of society and human suffering, reflecting Naturalist ideas of fate and the environment’s power over human life.