In this article we will review Under the Greenwood Tree by Thomas Hardy.
Book Plot
“Under the Greenwood Tree” by Thomas Hardy is a delightful pastoral novel set in the village of Mellstock. The story revolves around Dick Dewy, the son of a poor pedlar, and Fancy Day, the new schoolmistress. Both fall deeply in love with each other. Their romance faces challenges posed by society and fate. The novel beautifully captures the gentle rhythms of Victorian rural life, entwining music, love, and community.
Under the Greenwood Tree Rating : 3,65
Also book has 218 pages
Under the Greenwood Tree Review
A positive Thomas Hardy novel? Is that even possible? Written when Hardy was 32 years old, this novel is considered to be the happiest of his works that I have come across so far. This novel delves into the changes happening in England, reflected through the transformation of a small parish church. The story is centered around Mellstock, a village similar to Hardy’s hometown of Higher Brockhampton, and the church, resembling his beloved Stinsford. The plot is simple: in Mellstock, church music has always been performed by a group of local men known as the “string choir,” who take their responsibilities seriously, though not always soberly. However, the arrival of a new pastor brings a mechanical organ to replace the choir, along with a sophisticated young woman as the new organist. This leads to chaos, plotting, and romantic intrigue. Despite being a delightful love story set against the changing seasons, Under the Greenwood Tree is filled with a sense of longing for the disappearing rural way of life that Hardy witnessed. Even though Hardy is not one to idealize rural life and its people, he demonstrates genuine sympathy and fondness for them in this novel. It is clear why his family honored his wish to be buried at Westminster Abbey, as requested by his admirers, but chose to bury his heart in the churchyard at Stinsford.
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