Thomas Hardy

Thomas Hardy

Thomas Hardy
1840 -1928

Thomas Hardy Biography

Thomas Hardy (2 June 1840 – 11 January 1928) was an English novelist and poet, a Victorian realist influenced by Romanticism, known for his vivid portrayal of rural life and his critical view of Victorian society. Born in Higher Bockhampton, Dorset, Hardy was the eldest of four children in a family that valued education and the arts. His father, also named Thomas, was a stonemason and builder, while his mother, Jemima, was well-read and fostered Hardy's early love for literature.

           

Hardy received his early education from his mother before attending Mr. Last's Academy for Young Gentlemen in Dorchester, where he studied Latin and demonstrated academic promise. At sixteen, he was apprenticed to John Hicks, a local architect, where he developed skills in architectural drawing and design. This apprenticeship laid the foundation for his future career in architecture, which he pursued in London under the mentorship of Arthur Blomfield. Despite his architectural endeavors, Hardy continued to nurture his literary ambitions, writing poetry and novels in his spare time.

           

In 1870, while on an architectural assignment to restore the parish church of St. Juliot in Cornwall, Hardy met Emma Gifford, who would become his first wife. Their courtship inspired his novel A Pair of Blue Eyes (1873). They married in 1874, the same year his novel Far from the Madding Crowd was published, bringing him critical acclaim and financial success. This success enabled Hardy to devote himself entirely to writing.

           

Hardy's literary works are renowned for their depiction of the fictional region of Wessex, inspired by the landscapes of southwestern England. His novels, including The Return of the Native (1878), The Mayor of Casterbridge (1886), Tess of the d'Urbervilles (1891), and Jude the Obscure (1895), explore themes of social constraints, tragic characters, and the indifferent forces of nature and fate. The critical reception of Jude the Obscure was particularly harsh, leading Hardy to abandon novel-writing and return to his first literary love—poetry.

           

After Emma's sudden death in 1912, Hardy experienced profound grief and remorse, which he expressed in a series of poems known as the "Emma Poems." These works are considered some of his finest, reflecting deep emotional introspection and a rekindling of his early memories with Emma. In 1914, Hardy married his secretary, Florence Dugdale, who was nearly 40 years his junior. Despite the age difference, Florence remained devoted to Hardy until his death.

           

Throughout his life, Hardy was a prolific writer, producing an extensive collection of poetry, short stories, and novels. His work was recognized with numerous accolades, including the Order of Merit in 1910. Hardy passed away on 11 January 1928 at his home, Max Gate, in Dorchester. In a testament to his significance in English literature, his ashes were interred in Westminster Abbey's Poets' Corner, while his heart was buried in Stinsford alongside Emma's grave.

           

Today, Thomas Hardy is celebrated as a literary giant whose works offer profound insights into human nature, society, and the timeless landscapes of rural England.

           

Trivia About Thomas Hardy

  • Hardy was an accomplished architect and designed his own home, Max Gate, in Dorchester.
  • He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature multiple times but never won.
  • Hardy's heart is buried in Stinsford, while his ashes rest in Westminster Abbey.
  • He was a member of the Order of Merit, an honor bestowed upon him in 1910.
           

Famous Quotes by Thomas Hardy

  • "Time changes everything except something within us which is always surprised by change."
  • "Happiness is but a mere episode in the general drama of pain."
           

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Thomas Hardy?

Thomas Hardy was an English novelist and poet known for his vivid portrayal of rural life and critique of Victorian society.

           

What are some of his notable works?

Notable works include Tess of the d'Urbervilles, Far from the Madding Crowd, and Jude the Obscure.

           

What themes did Hardy explore in his writings?

Hardy's writings often explored themes of social constraints, tragic characters, and the indifferent forces of nature and fate.

           

Related Literary Movements

Thomas Hardy is associated with Victorian realism and was influenced by Romanticism, particularly the poetry of William Wordsworth.

Explore more about Thomas Hardy on eBookTakeAway

Other authors you may like