In this talk, the Chairman and Academic Director of the Thomas Hardy Society, Mark Damon Chutter, will explore ‘the return’ motif in Hardy’s writing. Clym Yeobright in ‘The Return of the Native’ leaves his life in Paris as a diamond merchant and returns to his native Egdon Heath. Previously assumed dead, Sergeant Francis Troy returns in ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’. Susan Henchard returns and so does Lucetta Le Sueur in ‘ The Mayor of Casterbridge’ both searching for Michael Henchard. Tess returns home and makes many journeys across the Wessex landscape in search of happiness. Mark will consider how the past histories of the characters are inextricably linked to place and their ‘return‘ results in the ultimate demise of their character and tragedy ensues. Of course, Hardy the writer also ‘returned’ to his beloved Casterbridge and designed his home, Max Gate. Come and join Mark Damon Chutter for this innovative Thomas Hardy Birthday Lecture.

Venue:  Upwey Old School Hall 

Time:  Doors open at 6.30 pm with talk beginning at 7.00 pm. 

 All tickets are £5 each, which includes a complimentary glass of wine, beer of soft drink on arrival.  Tickets can be purchased via the link below:

https://www.ticketsource.com/upwey-society/t-plogjqa