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Mom of five lovely daughters, wife of one dashing man. Born in Utah, grew up in Oregon, live in Georgia.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Thomas Hardy is an idiot

I recently finished the book "Tess of the d'Urbervilles." It started so, so good. And it could have been AMAZING. But Thomas Hardy (the author) ruined it. It could have been a beautiful story of love and redemption-- one of the most powerful and poignant ever written. But Mr. Hardy is an absolute moron and wrote one of the most depressing and pointless books I've ever read. Tess was such a strong character with amazing potential. But Mr. Hardy abused her. He caused her pain and anguish and damned her progress. And what kills me is that he had the power to make her into one of the most unforgettable characters in literature.

Here is how he should have written the book: Tess and Mr. Clare get married. They both reveal the mistakes of their past. They find forgiveness and compassion in each other and in their faith. Mr. Clare teaches Tess and she is transformed from a simple, uneducated peasant girl to a confident, compassionate teacher. Together they embark on a new life and are able to be the means of lifting Tess' family from poverty to self-reliance. On occasion Tess' past comes to haunt her, but she is able to face it with Mr. Clare by her side. And in the end Tess reflects back on the girl she would have been without Mr. Clare's love (the book as Thomas Hardy wrote it) and rejoices in the power of her deliverance.

Too bad he is dead, because if he were still living I would give him a piece of my mind and then beg him to re-write the story based on my suggestions. Don't you think that it would be so much better?

6 comments:

Kjirsten said...

you are absolutely right. don't even watch the pbs rendition of the book, it is beautifully done and it will break your heart.

Michelle Pyne said...

The book should end as you suggested. I haven't read the book, but Dad has and he reacted to it the same way you did. You blew it big time, Mr. Hardy!

Topsy said...

I agree!!!!!

Ginger said...

You should write it! It sounds like your version is a great story!

Jen said...

Bahahahaha. I totally agree. I haven't read it because I saw the movie and vowed not to read it.

Elaine said...

I know I read this book many many years ago and Now I can't even remember anything about it. Scary Uh?