Social content in Thomas Hardy (with special reference to Tess of the D'Urbervilles and Jude the obscure)

Abstract

In this thesis I will be discussing Hardy's socia1ist purpose in his novels. Special reference will be made to the later two novels Tess of the D'Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure. It is generally accepted by many critics that in these last two novels especially, Hardy brings his social concerns to their sharpest perspective. In the first chapter I have tried to give a summary of salient historical events and philosophies which surrounded the Victorian Age. The second chapter is an overview of Hardy's perception of this era. The last two chapters deal with an indepth study of Tess and Jude and Hardy's manifestation of Victorian social life within these two later works.