Wessex Tales by Thomas Hardy

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About this eBook

Author Hardy, Thomas, 1840-1928
Title Wessex Tales
Note Reading ease score: 78.2 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
Contents An imaginative woman -- The three strangers -- The withered arm -- Fellow-townsmen -- Interlopers at the Knap -- The distracted preacher.
Credits David Price
Summary "Wessex Tales" by Thomas Hardy is a collection of short stories written during the late 19th century. The collection presents tales that are rich in regional flavor, focusing on characters and incidents that are emblematic of rural life in Wessex, a fictional region used by Hardy for many of his works. The stories are often steeped in themes of social class, fate, and the struggles of human experience, and they explore the lives of various individuals through intertwining plots and local folklore. The opening of the collection features a preface from Hardy, where he addresses the themes and inspirations behind the stories, particularly a fascination with the lives of executioners, reflected in two consecutive tales about hangmen. The first story, "An Imaginative Woman," introduces William Marchmill and his wife Ella, who are at a seaside resort. Their contrasting personalities are highlighted, with Ella being an imaginative soul frustrated by her mundane life, while William is practical and focused on his gun-making business. As the narrative unfolds, Ella’s admiration for a local poet, Robert Trewe, complicates the dynamics of her marriage and introduces themes of unfulfilled desires and aspirations. The beginning sets the stage for a poignant exploration of the human heart and the poetry of everyday life amidst the backdrop of Wessex's distinctive landscape. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PR: Language and Literatures: English literature
Subject England -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Fiction
Subject Wessex (England) -- Fiction
Category Text
EBook-No. 3056
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Feb 4, 2021
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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