The Return of the Native” by Thomas Hardy is a masterpiece of Victorian literature that explores the complexities of human desires and the inevitability of fate. The novel is set against the backdrop of the wild and untamed Egdon Heath, a place that serves as both a character and a setting, symbolizing the unchanging forces of nature and the tragedies that befall those who try to resist it.

The story centers on Eustacia Vye, a passionate and restless young woman whose longing for a life filled with “music, poetry, passion, and war” drives her to marry Clym Yeobright, a native of the heath. However, Clym’s idealism and dedication to a simpler life frustrate Eustacia’s romantic ambitions, leading her into a web of deceit, disappointment, and despair. As their lives intertwine with other characters, such as Damon Wildeve and Thomasin Yeobright, the novel unfolds a tale of unfulfilled desires and the harsh realities of life.

Hardy’s insatiably observant descriptions of the heath captivated early readers, with D. H. Lawrence famously noting that the setting provided the “real stuff of tragedy.” The tension between the mythic quality of the heath and the modern aspirations of the characters challenges the notion of human freedom and the ability to shape one’s destiny. Eustacia Vye’s tragic fate is a poignant reminder that our dreams, no matter how fervently pursued, may not always come to fruition.

This edition of “The Return of the Native” offers a critically established text based on the original manuscript and first edition, preserving Hardy’s initial vision without the alterations made in later versions.

For over a century, Oxford World’s Classics has provided readers with access to the broadest spectrum of literature, including this essential work of Thomas Hardy. Each volume is meticulously prepared to include the most accurate text, alongside expert introductions, comprehensive notes, and up-to-date bibliographies, making it an invaluable resource for both casual readers and scholars alike.

Explore the tragic beauty of “The Return of the Native”, where the timeless struggle between human ambition and nature’s indomitable will is depicted with unmatched poetic depth and emotional resonance. This novel is not only a significant part of Victorian literature but also a timeless narrative that continues to resonate with readers today.