smART The Return of the Native

Home on the Heath

Thomas Hardy wrote the novel The Return of the Native that not only characterizes the people in the story, but also the Heath in which the story takes place. Throughout the novel, the rough stretch of land plays a crucial role in defining the attitudes of the characters as well as the culture and assisting critical events within the plot. The characters may think of themselves and the heath in a civilized manner, but the heath and characters each portray a wild side -connecting the two ideas. 

Damon Wildeve and Eustacia Vye are drowned during a storm that took place in the heath, and Mrs. Yeobright died of exposure due to the condition of the heath. 

Along with the literal effects of the heath, it is understated that the characters are each somewhat defined by their homeland because of the decisions that are concluded because of their attatchment to Egdon Heath. 

Clym Yeobright was attatched to the heath and wanted to pursue his dreams by building a school and helping others in Egdon Heath because it was his home. Eustacia on the other hand despised the heath and wanted nothing more than to become successful elsewhere because she felt it was holding her back. 

I really suggest reading The Return of the Native because of the critical thinking it inspires, and the topics I have discussed are few of multiple thinking points.