Thomas Hardy Research Paper

During the late Victorian period of literature, Thomas Hardy gained success with his controversial writing (Tess of the d’Urbervilles 278). Hardy’s novels seemed a bit darker than other writers of the happy industrial period because of his certain beliefs; for this reason, his later novels created the eye-catching shadow in an era of light. His beliefs led him to follow the style of pessimistic writing (Diniejko 1). Because of his depressing view, he became a vocal critic of the changing English land and economy as well as its traditional values through his novels (Moss, Joyce, and George Wilson 1). Thomas Hardy’s philosophy of nature and life created his pessimistic thoughts and views towards modern and traditional England as reflected in his works. Thomas Hardy was born in his family’s home in Higher Bockhampton, England, on June 2, 1840 (Coleman 16). Born during the start of the English industrial period, Thomas experienced the changes of his rural location. His parents instilled in their son the love of literature, music, and religion throughout his childhood (Tess of the d’Urbervilles 278). The Hardy women provided much of Thomas’ mental and emotional foundation which would be the basis for some of his actions and imaginative writings (Coleman 16).

In 1862, after moving to London to finish his training, Hardy was influenced by the city and Charles Dickens’ writings and started writing himself (Coleman 16). Hardy wrote his first piece of literature, How I Built Myself a House, in 1865. After years of rejection and improvement, Hardy gained fame with Far from the Madding Crowd in 1874; that same year, he married Emma Gifford on September 17 (Coleman 16). Hardy’s successful career continued with novels such as The Return of the Native and The Mayor of Casterbridge as well as the largely criticized novels Tess of the d’Urbervilles and Jude the