Women in the Rural Landscapes of Thomas Hardy

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to provide an analysis of Tess of the d'Urbervilles, one of the last novels written by the outstanding author of regional literature, Thomas Hardy. The theoretical part focuses on the historical, social and literary background of the period in which Hardy lived and wrote, and also describes his journey to writing. The analytical part firstly explores the way how Hardy depicts rural landscapes in the novel. Secondly, another focus is on Hardy's portrayal of the main protagonist, Tess. The analysis further examines the roles Hardy gives Tess depending upon the environment in which she finds herself. The main aim of this paper is to specify what roles Hardy gives the main protagonist throughout the story and to identify how these roles of hers change depending on the environment in which he places her.