Thomas Hardy: Beyond Homespun Prose

Thomas Hardy is often considered a complex figure in English literature, with elements that attract both admiration and criticism. While some might depict him as a rather homespun writer, his literary contributions are much broader and more profound. This article delves into Hardy's place in literature, exploring his unique style, thematic concerns, and influence on subsequent generations of writers.

Hardy's Literary Contribution: Complex and Nuanced

Hardy is deeply rooted in the landscapes of Dorset, which he often referred to as Wessex. His works frequently grapple with themes of fate, social constraints, and human suffering, providing a critical view of Victorian society. Novels like Tess of the dUrbervilles and Jude the Obscure offer a nuanced and sometimes bleak perspective that goes beyond the surface level, reflecting the complexity of Victorian-era moral values.

While Hardy's style incorporates elements of realism, his ability to engage with philosophical and existential questions places him firmly in the transition from Victorian literature to modernism. This duality—combining everyday life with profound reflections—establishes him as a significant literary figure. Therefore, while he may have elements of a homespun writer, his contributions to literature are much broader and more profound.

Poetry and Architectural Influence

Contrary to his prose, Thomas Hardy is not classified as a homespun poet. As Donald Davie points out in Thomas Hardy and British Poetry, even beyond his rich variety of stanzas and his invention of new verse forms and words, his architectural and engineering training is evident in his poetry. This is not merely a reflection on his taste or beliefs but a recognition of his rival status in the impact on poetry. Hardy's influence has been pervasive in English poetry, influencing poets like Edward Thomas, Blunden, de la Mare, Auden, and Larkin.

In fact, Hardy is arguably the dominant influence on English poetry more than T.S. Eliot. Poets such as Edward Thomas, Blunden, and de la Mare, among others, were all deeply influenced by Hardy rather than Eliot. Hardy's influence on these poets is not just a matter of technique but also of thematic content, showing that his poetry has stood the test of time and continues to influence the literary landscape.

Prose Criticism and Creative Prowess

While Hardy's prose garners praise in certain respects, there is a notable critique concerning his approach to storytelling. Some readers find Hardy's plots to be overly mechanical and predictable. His stories often rely on characters making stupid decisions that are painfully obvious to the reader, leading to dramatic outcomes. This pattern is repeated: things seem to be going well, but then something terrible happens, leading to melodramatic self-blame. Critics argue that if Hardy were less self-indulgent, he could have received more useful critiques from his contemporaries about crafting compelling narratives.

Hardy's prose style, however, is not without merit. He offers a rich, atmospheric backdrop that enhances the reading experience. His portrayal of the landscapes of Wessex provides a vivid and evocative setting that complements his themes of destiny and human struggle. Moreover, his focus on the underbelly of Victorian society, with its moral and ethical dilemmas, places Hardy among the most significant writers of his time.

In conclusion, while Thomas Hardy's prose has faced certain criticisms, his literary contributions go far beyond simple homespun writing. His deep engagement with philosophical and existential questions, his rich poetic output, and his influence on subsequent generations of writers all contribute to his status as a complex and nuanced literary figure. His place in English literature is secure, and his works continue to resonate with readers and scholars alike.