Chittaranjan Nath
Volume-XII, Issue-I, October 2023
Volume-XII, Issue-I, October 2023 | ||
Published Online: 31.10.2023 | Page No: 225-231 | |||
Representation of Nature in Hardy’s Wessex Novels
Dr. Chittaranjan Nath, Assistant
Professor, Department of English, ADP College, Nagaon, India. | |
The novels of Thomas Hardy, set in the fictionalized rural landscape of Wessex, offer a
captivating exploration of the multifaceted representation of nature. Hardy's Wessex is a
vividly depicted region characterized by rolling hills, meandering rivers, and picturesque
villages. It serves as a crucial setting, creating a sense of place that envelops the narratives.
Nature in Hardy, however, is not static; it symbolizes the broader themes of life, death, and
destiny. The changing seasons, storms, and natural disasters symbolize the cyclical nature
of existence and the uncontrollable forces shaping human lives. It operates by its own rules,
leading to tragedies that underscore its harsh unpredictability. This essay delves into
Hardy's rich portrayal of nature in his Wessex novels, examining how it functions as more
than mere backdrop, becoming a symbol, a force, and a reflection of the human condition.
The essay also investigates how Hardy's portrayal of nature encapsulates a complex
interplay of beauty, harshness, and indifference. It is a dynamic force, influencing
characters and storylines, and offering profound insights into the human experience. | |
Keywords: Nature representation, rural tradition, symbolism, Thomas Hardy, Wessex novels. |