Personality - Thomas Hardy

On Tuesday, about eight in the morning a house in Higher Bockhampton heard the innocent cries of an infant. When he breathed for the first time, he was so frail that even the surgeon thought him to be dead. He was considered dead and was thrown away on floor.The child owed his long life of nine decades to the nurse whose common sense saved him. A nurse entered the room and found the frail child breathing. She drew attention of the doctors and thus, Thomas Hardy was revived to life. Perhaps, this incident made 'Fate' the omnipresent and governing factor in the lives of his characters.

June 2, 1840 saw the birth of one of the greatest tragedians in the realm of literature. The author was the eldest of the four children of Thomas Hardy and Jemima, the third of the Thomas Hardys in succession. The author’s father was a stone mason and an architect. The Hardy family lived in a sprawling house in Higher Bockhampton, Dorset and they belonged to the Stinsford parish.

Childhood

As a child, the author was healthy but delicate. A gifted child who learned to read before he learned to walk and at a very young age he could play the violin. He was a delightfully enthusiastic child, exceptionally sensitive to music. When his father played music he would start dancing figs, hornpipes, reels, waltzes and country-dances in the middle of the room. It seemed as if music touched his heart so deeply that it drew tears from his eyes. The sensitive three-year child, fondly called Tommy, would always try to hide his tears.

When Tommy was five years, his parents doubted his chances of survival. Their doubts were chiefly based on his delicate constitution. But when he turned eight they felt that he was physically fit to walk to the village school to acquire basic knowledge of the subjects.


He was the first student to be admitted to the newly constructed school. He had a bad handwriting but excelled in arithmetic and geometry.

Introduction To Literature

He was brought up in an environment, which was conducive to the studyof literature. His mother provided him with the literary works of Dryden, Virgil, Johnson, Paul and Virginia Wolf. He also happened to find a copy of the History of the Wars. It could be said that Tommy’s voracious reading at such a young age laid a strong foundation for his career as a writer in his later years.

Tommy traveled for the first time when he was about eight years of age. Jemima took him to visit her sister in Hertfordshire. Their visit lasted for almost a month, so Tommy was sent to a private school. While returning to Dorset they halted for a few days at London. In those few days Tommy and his mother visited the Pantheon, Hyde Park, Smithfield and Swiss Cottage.

Education

Thereafter, the duo returned to Dorset. The following year when his constitution improved, Tommy was sent to a Dorchester day school whose principal was a brilliant man and who taught Latin quite well.

A close bond was formed between little Tommy and the headmistress of Bockhampton. When she learnt that her favorite student had left her school she was touched. The childless woman was fond of Tommy right from his infancy. Even Tommy longed to see her. Zestfully, he used to make water color paintings of animals for her and sing songs like "I’ve journeyed over many lands, I’ve sailed every sea." This was no longer possible.

Fate finally gave him a chance to meet his long lost friend. That particular day when Tommy was alone at home, a young woman asked him if he would like to accompany her to the harvest supper, where his friend would be present. Tommy readily agreed to go with her and he left a note informing his whereabouts.

First Manuscript

He returned to Dorchester and waited for them to send the proof read copies. When the copies were not dispatched, Hardy wrote to the publishing company, inquiring about his novel. In reply, Mrs Chapman wrote, asking him to meet, "the gentleman who read your manuscript." Hardy kept the appointment but still did not know who the ‘gentleman’ was whom he was supposed to meet. When he was ushered in a room of the publishing house, Hardy met George Meredith who advised him not to publish the novel. He further advised the young author to write novels with more complex plots. (The fate of the manuscript is still shrouded in mystery. No one knows what happened of it.)

During his stay in London, Hardy received the news of the unfortunate demise of Hicks. G R Crickmay, who had taken over Hicks’ practice, wrote to Hardy requesting him to assist in the church restoration as he had done before. Hardy returned to Dorchester to assist Crickmay. But instead of staying with his family, he put up at Weymouth, as it was closer to his office. There he wrote Desperate Remedies. At this time, Hardy chanced to meet a young man who persuaded him to join a dance class. The duo found the dance class enjoyable, as these classes were a perfect place for flirting. But later, he returned home in Dorset to concentrate fully on his literary career.

His Lady Love

Barely a week had passed since he had started living in his rustic native place, when Cornwall wrote to him, asking him to visit the church of St Juliot near Bascastle. Hardy dispatched the manuscript of Desperate Remedies to Alexander Macmillan and set off for Bascastle.

Destiny sent him to Bascastle because it was there that he was supposed to meet a lady, with whom he would exchange wedding rings after a few years. Emma Lavinia Gifford was the daughter of St Juliot’s rector. Gifford described their first meeting as, "So I met my husband. I thought him much older than he was. He had a beard, and a rather shabby great coat, and had quite a business appearance. Afterwards, he seemed younger, and by daylight especially so. The blue paper proved to be the manuscript of a poem, and not a plan of the church, he informed me to my surprise…"

After their first meeting, they started seeing each other. Their acquaintance matured into a special friendship. Later Hardy left for Dorsetshire but visited Emma at Bascastle twice or thrice a year. Emma corresponded with Hardy when he was away. Through correspondence, Emma also helped him in his literary work. She made the fair copy of his manuscript (Desperate Remedies). Later, when the novel was published anonymously, it was a great success. Then, he started writing Under The Greenwood Tree which is a short rustic story. He had faced many obstacles in his attempt to print the novel. The dejected author threw the manuscript of the novel along with the manuscript of his old poems in a box. He was sick of going through such difficulties and almost abandoned the idea of being a writer. When he consulted Emma, she immediately wrote back, encouraging him to continue writing, for that was his ‘true vocation’. He did continue writing, but applied his efforts more strictly towards his architectural career.

Second Thoughts About Writing

Unexpected ecstasies and disappointments greeted him in 1872 and the year that followed it. An eminent London based architect and professor of architecture at the Royal Institute of British Architects, engaged Hardy to design schools for the London School Board. While at London, he wrote to the publishers – The Tinsley Brothers, to pay him royalty. According to the contract, all that was payable to Hardy was a cheque of mere 60 pounds. This experience made him feel that his labor had been worthless. The underpaid writer was further reinforced to quit writing altogether.

When he chanced to meet Tinsley in London, the latter asked him for another novel. Hardy said ‘never’, without expressing much concern. When Tinsley further prodded him, Hardy told him that he had written a short story but did not know, nor did he care to know of the manuscript’s whereabouts. However, Tinsley persuaded Hardy to send him the manuscript. Hardy wrote to his parents at Dorset to search for the manuscripts at home. When he received the manuscripts, he forwarded them to Tinsley and said that he did not want to be responsible for the publishing accounts. Tinsley offered 30 pounds to Hardy for copyright. Later he sent him an extra 10 pounds. It was decided that Hardy would write a serialized story for a magazine that was published by the Tinsley Company.

Sunshine Atlast

Sometime later, Hardy felt that he had sold his story for a petty amount.But still kept the new contract. He informed his professor that he might go on leave in August. The same day when he reached Westbourne Park, he penned down the opening chapters of A Pair of Blue Eyes. On August 1 Hardy sailed to Cornwall to visit some friends. But there he could not concentrate on his novel. So, in September he returned to Dorset to write his novel. During these days, the first edition of Under The Greenwood Tree had been published. On the last day of September Hardy dispatched 163 pages of A Pair of Blue Eyes to Tinsley.

Lady luck smiled at Hardy when he received a letter from Professor Roger Smith informing him that his designs had been successful at the Board School competitions. The professor further wrote that Hardy was welcome to join him. Hardy replied that he could not join him as he was preoccupied with writing a novel.

The year end saw Hardy at Bockhampton, writing the concluding chapters of A Pair of Blue Eyes. He made a short visit to St Juliot and later returned to his family at Dorset. The next year, in the latter part of May, A Pair of Blue Eyes was published in three volumes.

In June, Hardy went to London where he saw French plays. There he also met H M Maule who accompanied him to Cambridge. At Cambridge, the duo stayed in Queens College. The very next day after reaching Cambridge, Hardy and Maule visited King’s Chapel in the morning. The two friends had a gala time a couple of days after which Maule bid farewell to Hardy, who traveled to Bath via London. That was the last time the two saw each other. At Bath he stayed at Miss d’Arville’s house who was his friend. Emma Gifford came visiting at that time. Hardy continued his courtship with Emma. The young couple visited places like Chepstow, the Wye, Wynd Cliff and Tintern. In the first week of December, Hardy returned to Dorchester.

Ultimate Success

In December 1972, the editor of the Cornhill, Leslie Stephen wrote to Hardy, asking him to write a serialized story for his magazine. Hardy excused himself for he was busy with A Pair of Blue Eyes. As soon as he would be through with it, he would start working for the Cornhill Magazine he wrote. He informed Stephen that he had planned a tale titled – Far From the Madding Crowd. He also gave a brief description of the chief characters in the novel. Stephen asked Hardy to meet him to discuss the novel. But Hardy postponed his visit to Stephen.

Meanwhile, Hardy set himself to complete the novel, A Pair of Blue Eyes. It was a success beyond expectations. At his Bockhampton home, he lived like a recluse and worked on the script of Far From the Madding Crowd. After a few days he received the shocking news of Horace's death. Hardy attended Maule’s funeral, at Fordington, Dorchester.

In the meantime, Stephen wrote to Hardy to send him whatever chapters he had written of Far From the Madding Crowd. A few days later, Hardy dispatched the novel. Stephen wrote back saying that he liked the novel and had decided to publish it serially.

The first part of Far From the Madding Crowd was to be published on New Year’s day in 1874. When Hardy bought a copy of Cornhill from Plymouth, he was shocked and surprised. Surprised to see that his story was placed in the opening pages of the magazine. And shocked to see the author’s name as Miss Helen Paterson. The novel received mixed reviews when three respectable subscribers wrote to the magazine’s editor in a reproachful manner. They felt that a passage in the novel was of loose standards. On the other hand, the Times appreciated the same passage. Hardy and the editor of Cornhill had a little dispute over this matter.

Marriage

Hardy returned to Bockhampton and went in to hibernation. After having finished the novel, he dispatched the manuscript to the editor.

After a month, Thomas Hardy and Emma Levinia Gifford were pronounced husband and wife by Dr E Hamiltan Gifford at St Peter’s Church.

Two months later, when the book was published, Hardy and his wife were on a visit to the continent where they stayed for a considerable period of time. The couple was unaware of the great success of the novel. It was only when they journeyed to London that they saw many ladies carrying a copy of Far From the Madding Crowd.

The success of Far From the Madding Crowd won Hardy another writing offer from the publishers of the Cornhill. But when he learned of the gossips and the criticisms that were circulated about the clandestine author of the novel Far From the Madding Crowd, Hardy’s spirit dampened. He was so disturbed that he temporarily stopped writing the woodland story The Woodlanders. But he was sure that he did not intend to write about sheep farming as was anticipated by the readers. In fact he embarked on writing an entirely different novel titled The Hand of Ethelberta - A Comedy in Chapters.

Meanwhile, Hardy visited Oxford and Cambridge to see the boat race. His chief motive being to include the colorful travel experiences in this new novel. The Hand of Ethelberta digressed from his usual writings.

Enjoying His Chosen Vocation

Hardy was a member of Disraeli’s deputation, formed to support a motion for a select committee to inquire regarding the state of Copyright Law. The author and his wife visited Chelsea Hospital on Waterloo Day to see the surviving soldiers. This experience provided Hardy with the raw material for writing The Dynasts.

At this juncture Hardy wanted to live a practical as well as creative life. He auctioned his house at Childe-Obeford, Dorset and started searching for a suitable accommodation at Shaytesbury, Blandford and Wimborne. Hardy and his wife went to Bournemouth from where they sailed to Swanage. The couple stayed at the house of a captain till the writing of The Hand of Ethelberta was completed.

When the novel was finished in January 1876, Hardy dispatched the manuscripts to Tinsley. Thereafter Hardy and Emma shifted to Yeovil in search of a suitable house. When the novel was published, the admiration of the readers and the critics was beyond his expectations. The Hand of Ethelberta was Hardy’s last novel for Tinsley. After traveling extensively to innumerable places they finally found a beautiful cottage called "Riverside Villa" at Sturminster Newton.
A Pair of Blue Eyes received a favorable response from the French readers. The novel was special for Hardy as it entailed a romance that he intended to immortalize. So dear was the novel to him that he requested George Smith to print the second edition of the novel.

Hardy’s prime occupation at the Riverside Villa was writing The Return of the Native. Interestingly, this novel did not use the setting near the Riverside Villa as a backdrop for his novels. Instead, he has used the location of a heath country which was 20 miles away from his home.

Back To London

The Hardys lived a pleasant life at Riverside Villa. But considering the practical aspects of his vocation, Hardy felt that it would be better if he worked at London or at a place, which was nearby. Thus, Hardy and his wife went to London in search of a suitable house. After almost a week, Hardy signed an agreement for a three-year lease at a house in Upper Tooting. In March, the Hardys shifted to London and in November The Return of the Native was published by Mrs Smith and Elder. The Times made a favorable comment on the book.

During this period, Hardy received a letter from his mother asking them to visit Dorset, as his father was ill. So on February 1, Hardy left for Dorset. He returned to London on February 15.

Name And Fame

By that time he had already been elected to the Savile Club. After a couple of months he was invited to attend the International Literary Congress at the Society of Arts. But he felt quite uncomfortable – just like a fish out of water, because he did not know anyone at the meeting. Soon the literary meet was over and after a few days Hardy and Emma went to Tooting to enjoy the weekend. Later Hardy’s novel The Trumpet Major was serially published in a periodical. He intended to get the novel published in a three-volume book, so he arranged a meeting with Mrs Smith and Elder to discuss the publication of the book.

The Trumpet Major was published on October 23. Hardy was 40 years then, his health affected by problems of advancing age. Hardy felt so ill that he cancelled his appointments and turned down an invitation from Lord Houghton.


The doctor diagnosed that he was suffering from internal bleeding. The doctor said that there were only two options– either to undergo a dangerous operation or remain bedridden for months. Hardy chose the latter.

Illness - No Hindrance To Work

By this time, Hardy had already started writing A Laodicean for Harper’s Magazine. The pain was so much that he had to lie on a tilted surface in a manner that the lower part of his body was higher than his head. But Hardy had resolved to complete his new venture. So, he started dictating the novel to Emma. After his convalescence, again a problem arose. The lease of their house at Upper Tooting had expired. On Hardy’s request, the landlord extended their lease for three months.

Hardy felt that he should have a permanent settlement in the country as it was good for his health and secondly the natural surroundings would inspire him to write. They searched for a suitable dwelling in Dorset. Meanwhile, they put up temporarily at a house called ‘Hanherne’ at Wimborne. After two years, Hardy and his wife found a house for themselves at Dorchester. A few months later, Hardy bought a plot of land in Fardington Field. He planted some trees at Max Gate (Hardy’s newly bought property at Dorchester) on New Year eve of 1884.

The Masterpiece

Later, Hardy went to the Channel Islands with his brother. There he wrote The Mayor of Casterbridge at irregular intervals. Meanwhile, he was constantly occupied with the construction of his house at Max Gate. After the finishing touches were given to the house, Hardy supervised the shifting of furniture from Dorchester to his new home at Max Gate. The Hardys went to live at Max Gate on June 29, 1885.

After the Mayor of Casterbridge was completed, it was serially published in the Graphic newspaper and Harper’s weekly. By this time Hardy, considered novel writing to be his profession. He wrote mechanically, though he never intended to do so.

His Poems

Thus followed a range of poems. Hardy penned down The Dynasts, a narrative poem. His next work was Wessex Poems, published in 1898. (Wessex poems are a compilation of poems written by Hardy between 1860 and 1890). His other works include Poems of Past and the Present Times, Laughingstocks and other verses, A Changed Man and Other Tales, Satires of Circumstance, Moments of Vision and Miscellaneous Verses Hardy was awarded the Order of Merit for his prodigious literary works in 1910.

Lonely Life

Hardy’s marital bliss ended in 1912 when Emma died a sudden death. The grief-stricken poet was filled with remorse. He dedicated some wonderful eulogies in reminiscence to the love and the times that they shared.

By the first decade of the 20th century, Hardy had become a popular literary figure. By this time, many people came to interview him and many came especially to Dorset, just to meet him. All were welcome at his abode. But he strictly refused to give interviews.

In 1913, Hardy received an Honorary Doctorate of Literature from Cambridge University. After seven years, the Oxford University also conferred on him the same honor.

Florence Dugdale

After Emma’s death in 1912, Hardy appointed Florence Dugdale as his secretary and married her two years later. His second wife often felt uncomfortable with her situation because she felt that, though Hardy was married to her, he was still devoted to Emma. His collection of poems which was printed in a book entitled The Poems that he wrote after her death suggested that he still had feelings for her. During these years, Hardy compiled his poems in books which were published as –Moments of Vision, Late Lyrics and Earlier, Human Shows, Far Fantasies, Songs and Trifles. These years seemed to test Florence’s patience.

On one hand, she felt uneasy when Hardy wrote poems about his first wife and on the other hand she was concerned about his health.

Death

Hardy’s health started sagging until January 10, 1928 when the great writer bade farewell to this world. His heart was buried in his wife’s grave at the Stinsford Churchyard. While the rest of his remains were buried in Poet’s Corner at Westminster Abbey. Thus, ended a brilliant literary career, spanning a period of more than half a century.

His words never failed to touch the reader’s heart, such was the impact of this literary genius.