Have you ever cursed your fate? Have you ever felt bad for someone else’s fate? Okay, coming to the point straight; did you spit abuses when you read about Gabriel Oak’s sufferings, on and off, in the book Far From the Madding Crowd? What did you blame? Wasn’t it fate? Think… if you agree fate has any role to play in Hardy’s novels, please read this editorial opinion. Hope you will find it interesting and worth your time.
Thomas Hardy’s novels are often celebrated for their rich portrayal of human emotions, intricate exploration of social norms, and vivid depiction of rural life in 19th-century England. Yet, beneath the surface of these literary masterpieces lies a persistent and haunting theme: the omnipresence of fate. Hardy’s works frequently suggest that human efforts, no matter how valiant or virtuous, are ultimately subject to the whims of an indifferent universe. This recurring motif has led many readers to question whether Hardy’s worldview was inherently pessimistic and whether his characters were mere pawns in a cosmic game of chance. To what extent did fate dictate the lives of Hardy’s characters? And did Hardy himself believe that fortune and supernatural forces held more sway over human destiny than individual agency?
To answer these questions, it is essential to delve into the narratives of Hardy’s most renowned novels, where the interplay between human ambition and external forces is most evident. In Tess of the d’Urbervilles, for instance, Tess Durbeyfield’s life is a relentless series of misfortunes that seem almost orchestrated by a malevolent force. From the moment her father discovers their family’s noble lineage, Tess is thrust into a chain of events that spiral out of her control. Her encounter with Alec d’Urberville, her subsequent seduction, and her eventual marriage to Angel Clare are all marked by a sense of inevitability. Hardy’s portrayal of Tess as a “pure woman” is juxtaposed with the harsh realities of her existence, suggesting that her suffering is not merely a result of her choices but also circumstances beyond her control. The famous scene in which Tess falls asleep while driving the cart, leading to the death of the family horse, is emblematic of this theme. This seemingly minor incident sets off a cascade of events that ultimately seal Tess’s tragic fate. Hardy’s narration often implies that Tess’s downfall is not entirely her fault; rather, it is the result of a cruel and indifferent universe that conspires against her.
Similarly, in The Mayor of Casterbridge, Michael Henchard’s life is a testament to the destructive power of fate. Henchard’s impulsive decision to sell his wife and daughter in a drunken state at the beginning of the novel casts a long shadow over his subsequent attempts at redemption. Despite his rise to prominence as the mayor of Casterbridge, Henchard is unable to escape the consequences of his past actions. His efforts to rebuild his life and reconcile with his daughter, Elizabeth-Jane, are continually thwarted by a series of unfortunate events, including the return of his estranged wife and the revelation of Elizabeth-Jane’s true parentage. Henchard’s tragic end, dying alone and forgotten, underscores Hardy’s belief in the futility of human struggle against an unyielding fate. The novel’s closing lines, in which Henchard’s will expresses his desire to be forgotten, are a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of human achievements in the face of an uncaring universe.
Hardy’s use of supernatural elements further reinforces the idea that human agency is often overshadowed by external forces. In The Return of the Native, the heath itself becomes a character, embodying the indifferent and often hostile nature of the universe. The lives of Eustacia Vye, Clym Yeobright, and other characters are deeply intertwined with the heath, which seems to exert a powerful influence over their destinies. Eustacia’s longing for a life beyond the heath and her eventual death by drowning are portrayed as inevitable outcomes, shaped by the environment in which she lives. Similarly, in Jude the Obscure, Jude Fawley’s aspirations for intellectual and social advancement are repeatedly dashed by societal constraints and personal misfortunes. The novel’s tragic conclusion, in which Jude’s children die by suicide and his health deteriorates, leaves little room for optimism. Hardy’s portrayal of Jude’s struggles suggests that his fate was sealed from the outset, despite his relentless efforts to overcome his circumstances.
Critics have often debated whether Hardy’s emphasis on fate reflects a deterministic worldview or merely serves as a literary device to heighten the tragic elements of his stories. Some argue that Hardy’s characters are not entirely powerless; rather, their choices and actions contribute to their downfall. For example, Tess’s decision to confess her past to Angel Clare, though noble, ultimately leads to her abandonment. Similarly, Henchard’s pride and stubbornness play a significant role in his downfall. However, it is difficult to ignore the pervasive sense of inevitability that permeates Hardy’s narratives. Even when characters make conscious decisions, these choices often seem to be influenced by external forces beyond their control. In Far from the Madding Crowd, Bathsheba Everdene’s impulsive decision to send a valentine to Boldwood sets off a chain of events that culminates in tragedy. While Bathsheba’s actions are her own, the consequences of those actions are shaped by the broader social and environmental context in which she lives.
Hardy’s treatment of fate raises important questions about the nature of human existence and the limits of individual agency. His novels suggest that while humans may strive for happiness and fulfilment, their efforts are often undermined by forces beyond their control. This perspective aligns with the philosophical concept of determinism, which posits that all events are ultimately determined by pre-existing causes. In Hardy’s world, these causes are often rooted in social norms, environmental factors, and chance occurrences, leaving little room for free will.
Well, howsoever and with how much passion I may argue my intellectual case, it cannot be the complete truth as far as it is literature. It would be reductive to view Hardy’s novels as entirely fatalistic. Despite the overwhelming presence of fate, his characters exhibit remarkable resilience and dignity in the face of adversity. Tess’s unwavering sense of self-worth, Henchard’s determination to atone for his mistakes, and Jude’s relentless pursuit of knowledge are all testaments to the strength of the human spirit. Above all, for me, Bathsheba Everdeen’s relentless reliance on her decisions and dominant control over life stands out as an instance of Hardy’s staunch faith in human actions (and the consequences). Hardy’s portrayal of these characters invites readers to empathise with their struggles and to reflect on the complexities of human existence.
To end this flow of thoughts, I will rest my case with a resounding belief that Thomas Hardy’s novels are deeply imbued with a sense of fatalism. One cannot ignore that the lives of his characters are often shaped by forces beyond their control. Whether through the indifferent hand of nature, the rigid structures of society, or the capriciousness of chance, fate looms large in Hardy’s narratives. Yet, within this framework, Hardy also celebrates the resilience and dignity of his characters, offering a nuanced exploration of the human condition. His works remind us that while we may not always have control over our circumstances, we do have the power to confront them with courage and integrity. In this way, Hardy’s novels transcend their fatalistic undertones, offering a profound and enduring meditation on the complexities of life and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Amit Mishra for the Indian Book Critics platform
