The Well-Beloved: A Sketch of a Temperament

eBook: The Well-Beloved: A Sketch of a Temperament

Sprache - Englisch

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Thomas Hardy's 'The Well-Beloved: A Sketch of a Temperament' is a profound exploration of the transient nature of beauty and the pursuit of an ideal. Infused with Hardy's characteristic examination of the pastoral and the personal, the narrative follows the sculptor Jocelyn Pierston in his quest for the titular 'Well-Beloved' across three generations of women. Positioned against the backdrop of the waning Victorian era and into the onset of Modernism, this work distinguishes itself with its lyrical prose and cyclical structure, encapsulating Hardy's fatalistic views and his ambivalence towards societal norms and the institution of marriage. As a literary artifact, this novel reverberates with Hardy's descriptive mastery and reflects his intricate portrayal of human desires and disillusionments. Thomas Hardy, primarily recognized for his contributions to naturalism and his uncanny ability to criticize social mores, stands as a monumental figure in English literature. His creative process was significantly colored by his own experiences and observations of the rural life in Dorset. 'The Well-Beloved' hails from the twilight of Hardy's novel-writing career, materializing as a contemplative work that addresses the psychological complexities of love and the pursuit of an ever-elusive ideal. This novel manifests traces of his philosophical introspections and his seasoned perspective on the shifting values of his time. For the thoughtful reader, 'The Well-Beloved' offers more than a century-old tale; it presents an enduring meditation on the nature of affection and the human inclination to idolize. Hardy's work demands the attention of those who relish literature that delves into the depths of the human heart and its caprices. Academics and enthusiasts of Victorian literature, alike, will find in this book a resonant voice that speaks to the eternal quest for perfect love and its inevitable confrontation with reality. The Well-Beloved, in its exploration of an inner life rich with romantic yearning, is recommended as an insightful addition to any discerning reader's collection.


Über den Autor

Thomas Hardy (1840–1928) stands as one of the preeminent figures in English literature, a novelist and poet whose work bridges the Victorian and modern eras with keen psychological insight and profound depictions of human nature. Born in Higher Bockhampton, Dorset, Hardy was the son of a stonemason, which influenced his later descriptions of rural English life and settings. Educated locally and then apprenticed as an architect, Hardy eventually moved to London, but his heart remained in Dorset, which would become the fictional 'Wessex' of his novels.

Hardy's writing career spanned over five decades, during which he published numerous novels now deemed classics, including 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles', 'Far from the Madding Crowd', and 'Jude the Obscure'. His works often explore themes of social constraints, personal tragedy, and the inexorable forces of nature and fate. 'The Well-Beloved: A Sketch of a Temperament', one of his final novels and written towards the end of the 19th century, encapsulates Hardy's stylistic preoccupation with the elusiveness of love and the subjective nature of beauty. Its publication stirred a mixed critical reception, particularly for its melancholic and sometimes pessimistic tone, a characteristic of much of Hardy's later work.

Despite the bleakness that colors much of his narrative canvas, Hardy's novels have endured for their rich characterization, regional authenticity, and his mastery in depicting the pastoral landscapes of Wessex. After abandoning novel writing, Hardy focused on poetry until his death, thus contributing significantly to both narrative and poetic forms. His influence is vast, inspiring countless writers and remaining a touchstone in English literature curricula worldwide.

Produkt Details

Verlag: DigiCat

Genre: Sprache - Englisch

Sprache: English

Umfang: 155 Seiten

Größe: 424,9 KB

ISBN: 8596547330585

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