Knowledge Bank

My thesis explores Thomas Hardy’s vision and his complexity as an author, primarily through his work "The Mayor of Casterbridge". I seek to draw conclusions about Hardy's overall purpose for this specific work and as an author in general by closely analyzing "The Mayor of Casterbridge" in regards to its complicated narration, characterization, genre, and format. Ultimately, I argue that Hardy's subtle manipulation of these seemingly ordinary techniques is a defining feature of this work. By analyzing Hardy's literary deviations from the norm, I hope to prove that Hardy's "The Mayor of Casterbridge" is both complex and judgmental; and that his judgment is not only toward his characters, but his readers as well.