Women and sexuality in Hardy
Abstract
The work is a study of Thomas Hardy's novels and
women. The focus centres upon five major Wessex novels and
Hardy's treatment of female sexuality .
An examination of early difficulties of style and
characterisation is followed by textual analysis of the
more complex structures and discourses developed by Hardy
as, with increasing confidence and enhanced reputation the
poetic voice successfully accommodates itself to a prose
medium. Contemporary sexual ideologies - those to which
Hardy was daily exposed through the vociferous medium of
periodicals and journals - are drawn into the study. It is
argued that Hardy was engaged with contemporary social
issues, that the historical process enters into his fiction
to shape both characterisation and event, and that
contemporary dialogues upon the 'Woman Question' inform his
characterisations.
The argument is that Hardy was not a feminist as
nineteenth century liberal feminism is understood. It is
maintained that he developed a broader vision, which,
augmented by both the eclecticism of his readings and his
own keen perceptions, ranged beyond nineteenth century
liberal feminist ideologies.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
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