Thomas Hardy

By: Tiffani Ray

Introduction

• Thesis: Thomas Hardy was an important British writer and poet for the late 1800s and early 1900s. He changed the way the world look at everything. His books were very powerful and emotional.

Basic Background Information• Thomas Hardy has written 14 novels, 3

volumes of short stories, dramas, and over a 1,000 poems.

• He was born June 2,1840 in a Dorset village of Higher Bockhampton, London.

• He appeared dead at birth and almost wasn’t born because of the surgeons concern for his mother Jemima’s health.

• He died on January 11, 1929 in his birthplace.• He learned to read at the age of 3. He was

home schooled until he was 8. He studied Greek drama and learned to play the fiddle.

What Type of Writing He Did• His writings usually reflect rural ways and

traditions. • He writes very dark and sinister books. • His work reflects his sense of tragedy in

human life. (“Thomas Hardy” Great Writers)

• Characters in his work normally come to a terrible fate in the end. (“Thomas Hardy” The Literary Network)

Most Well-known Literary Works

• Far from the Madding Crowd• The Return of the Native• The Mayor of Casterbridge• Tess of the D'Urbervilles• Jude the Obscure

(“Thomas Hardy” Great Writers)

Events in His Life that Affected His Writing• His father was a stone mason and had a

very big influence on his writings. (“Thomas Hardy” Great Writers)

• At 8 years of age he went to a village school and fell in love with his teacher, Mrs. Julia. His mother had maternal jealousy and removed him from the school when she found out.

• He witnessed several hangings. • His first wife died in 1912. (“Thomas

Hardy” Authors and Artists)

How His Historical Time Period Affected His Writing

• Napoleonic Wars • Most of his poems were based on

these wars.• Depression• Almost all of his literary works

were related to people’s struggles during a depression.

(“Thomas Hardy” Great Writers)

How His Writing Changed Over Time• Although his style of writing really didn’t change

much his type of writing did. (“Thomas Hardy” Authors and Artists)

• He started out writing poetry. (“Thomas Hardy” The Literary Network)

• After he couldn’t get publicity for his poetry he wrote novels.

• Then he wrote short stories and dramas.• Finally he went back to writing poetry the last

few years of his life. (“Thomas Hardy” Authors and Artists)

Conclusion: Why Students Should Learn About Thomas Hardy• Thomas Hardy changed the way people saw

the world in the late 1800s and early 1900s.• He impacted many people lives through his

literary works.• Students can learn that any event can inspire

you.• Students should learn about Thomas Hardy.• He was a very interesting person and had

many fascinating events in his lifetime.

Timeline

1840

Born Learned to read

1843 1848

Fell in love with teacher

1862

Moved to London

1870

Became a published author

1874

Married Emma Lavinia Gifford

1910

Honored by British crown by being named to Order of Merritt

1914

Remarried to Florence Emily Dugdale

1929

Died

Works Cited“Thomas Hardy” Authors and Artists for Young

Adults. Vol.69. 2006 Biography Resource Center Kellam Library, Virginia Beach, VA 9 Oct. 2008 http://galenet.galegroup.com

“Thomas Hardy” Great Writers of the English Language: Two English Masters New York: Marshall Cavendish 1999 ed.

“Thomas Hardy” The Literature Network 10 Oct. 2008 http://www.online-literature.com