Thomas Hardy's Return Of The Native: "Why is it that a woman can see from a distance what a man cannot see close?"

The novel unfolds against the backdrop of Egdon Heath, setting a dark tone that mirrors the characters' struggles. Clym Yeobright returns from Paris seeking community, only to become entangled with the passionate Eustacia Vye, who longs for escape from their rural confines. Their marriage amplifies Eustacia's restlessness, leading to a tale filled with frustration, betrayal, and tragedy. Hardy's poetic compassion for his characters and the intense dramatic scenes create a compelling exploration of love and societal constraints in Victorian England.