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Thomas Hardy's "Return of the Native" is a tragic novel set against the stark backdrop of Egdon Heath in Wessex. The story centers around Eustacia Vye, a beautiful and ambitious woman yearning for escape from her rural surroundings. Her relationship with Clym Yeobright, a native returning from Paris with idealistic goals, forms the core of the narrative. Their clashing desires and the interference of other characters, including Damon Wildeve, lead to a series of tragic events. The novel explores themes of fate, social constraints, and the power of nature to shape human lives. Hardy's masterful portrayal of the characters' inner turmoil and the unforgiving landscape creates a powerful and enduring work of literature.

Published in 1874, 'Far from the Madding Crowd' is Thomas Hardy's first major literary success. The novel is set in Hardy's fictional region of Wessex and follows the life of Bathsheba Everdene, an independent and ambitious young woman, and her interactions with three men: Gabriel Oak, a humble and honest sheep farmer; William Boldwood, a wealthy landowner; and Sergeant Frank Troy, a dashing but reckless soldier. The story delves into themes of love, honour, betrayal, and the harsh realities of rural life in Victorian England. It is known for its vivid descriptions of rural landscapes and its complex characters, and has been adapted into several films, television dramas, and stage productions.

The novel follows Tess Durbeyfield, a naive and innocent young woman from a poor family who discovers her family's supposed noble lineage. She is sent to claim kinship with the wealthy d'Urberville family, where she is seduced by Alec d'Urberville, leading to a series of tragic events. Tess later marries Angel Clare, but their marriage is short-lived due to Angel's rejection of her past. The novel explores themes of social injustice, the rigid Victorian moral code, and the harsh realities of rural life in England during the late 19th century.