Hardy as a Social Reformer

Abstract

The following research paper is an attempt to discuss Thomas Hardy, a novelist of the Victorian era, as a social reformer. Many critics and researchers of his novels, consider him a pessimist, who paints a darker picture of life. In this picture, man is portrayed as a tragic figure, clutched in the cruel grips of fate as well as society. The present paper gives arguments of critics, and interprets Hardy's novels in the way, so that we may present him as a social reformer. It throws light on two of the major novels of Hardy, 'TESS OF THE DURBERVILLES' and 'THE MAYOR OF CASTERBRIDGE'.