A Character Study of Damon Wildeve -Return of the Native
The purpose of this essay is to study the character of Damon Wildeve and how the other characters of the novel perceive him. I will begin by examining the authorial view of his character.Considering the techniques used by Hardy to represent his character's passions are an important part of understanding their thought processes. Hardy often relates his characters to their surrounding natural landscape, thereby integrating the backdrop to the story with the participants in it. For example, Wildeve's name conjures images of the wild terrain of the heath and this reflects his passionate and impulsive nature. Another technique Hardy employs in constructing an initial image of Wildeve is by using the hearsay of other minor characters. It is through a discussion among the heath-folk that Wildeve's name is first introduced to the reader.'To give him his due he's a clever learned fellow in his way...An engineer-that's what the man was, as we know; but he threw away his chance...His learning was no use to him at all.'This gradual unfolding of information draws the reader's attention and we look more closely for those clues that will provide further insight into Wildeve's character. As we approach the discussion concern
Their relationship lacks the passion associated with young lovers. How could you leave me in that way, darling?'His first statement seems careless as if her safe arrival has concerned him but little. His demeanour contrasts greatly with their exuberance and genuine feeling. This becomes particularly evident when he is enticed by Eustacia Vye. It shows a concern for his own feelings above that of Thomasins, and this occasion is not isolated. The women seen to appreciate Wildeve's impetuosity and passionate temperament claiming: 'A hundred maidens would have had him if he'd asked 'em,' however the men seem to affront their opinion stating: 'Dids't ever know a man, neighbour, that no woman at all would marry?' Wildeve's paradoxical nature is also reinforced by Hardy's own words:'Altogether he was one in whom no man would have seen anything to admire, and in whom no woman would have seen anything to dislike. Irrespective of Wildeve's promise to marry her niece, Mrs Yeobright is well founded in her antagonism towards him. 'Wildeve made no reply; and probably feeling that the sooner he treated them the sooner they would go he produced a stone jar, which threw a warm halo over matters at once. 'Hardy's narrative is integral to developing Wildeve's character. Thomasin's apparent willingness to marry Wildeve to avert public disapproval causes us to question her love for him. Despite his reassurance she detects a distinct undercurrent of uncertainty in his promise. 'His response to Thomasin's comment shows no concern for her feelings. He came to the heath due to his failed career as an engineer and he wishes passionately to escape it. They however do not seem to perceive his cold response towards them. Thomasin is forced to ask him for reassurance that their marriage will take place, reflecting the lack of trust in their relationship.
Common topics in this essay:
Tamsin Yeobright,
Damon Wildeve,
Yeobright Thomasin,
Wildeve Thomasin's,
Wildeve Yeobright,
Eustacia Vye,
Irrespective Wildeve's,
Wildeve Aunt's,
,
heath folk,
marry wildeve,
wildeve's name,
wildeve's character,
forthcoming marriage,
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