The return of native

4.Classic comparison between “The return of Native” and “Great Expectations”
"The Return of the Native" by Thomas Hardy and "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens are two classic novels that share several similarities and differences. Both novels explore themes such as love, betrayal, social class, and the struggle for self-identity. However, they differ in terms of their setting, plot structure, and character development.
"The Return of the Native" is set in the fictional Egdon Heath, a wild and desolate area in rural England. The novel follows the story of Eustacia Vye, a beautiful and passionate woman who longs to escape her mundane life on the heath. She becomes entangled in a complicated love triangle with two men, Damon Wildeve and Clym Yeobright, leading to tragic consequences for all involved.
On the other hand, "Great Expectations" is set in the bustling city of London during the Victorian era. The novel tells the story of Pip, a young boy who dreams of becoming a gentleman and rising above his humble origins. He receives a mysterious inheritance from an anonymous benefactor and uses it to pursue his ambitions, but soon realizes that wealth and status do not bring happiness.
In terms of plot structure, "The Return of the Native" is more complex and fragmented than "Great Expectations". The novel is divided into six books, each with its own distinct storyline and set of characters. The narrative is non-linear and jumps back and forth in time, adding to the sense of confusion and uncertainty that pervades the novel.
In contrast, "Great Expectations" has a more straightforward plot structure that follows Pip's journey from childhood to adulthood. The narrative is chronological and focuses primarily on Pip's relationships with the various characters he encounters along the way.
Character development is another area where the two novels differ. In "The Return of the Native", the characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with their motivations and actions often shrouded in ambiguity. Eustacia Vye, for example, is both a victim and a manipulator, torn between her desire for love and her need for independence.
In "Great Expectations", the characters are more straightforward and predictable. Pip, for example, undergoes a significant transformation over the course of the novel, from a naive and idealistic boy to a more mature and reflective adult. However, his character is still relatively simple compared to the more nuanced characters in "The Return of the Native".
Needles to say, "The Return of the Native" and "Great Expectations" are two classic novels that share some similarities but differ in terms of setting, plot structure, and character development. Both novels offer valuable insights into the human experience and continue to be widely read and studied today.