Clym Yeobright as a Tragic Figure

The Return of the Native, though written in the 19th century, exhibits many characteristics of early Anglo-Saxon literature. Among these characteristics, one of the most eminent is the use of fate. Though Thomas Hardy is considered a Victorian era writer, his use of fate and coincidence can easily be compared to that of early Anglo Saxon writers. Therefore, this uncontrollable force known as fate has influenced the main characters in the book in one way or another. Clym Yeobright, the actual native mentioned in the title, was subject to fate whether it imposed an influence upon himself or those around him. However, it was Clym’s own actions and decisions that brought him down, not an act of fate. Therefore Clym Yeobright is not a tragic and responsible for the consequences bestowed upon him.
Clym Yeobright was the child prodigy and pride of Egdon Heath. Therefore he was sent off to Paris where he was educated, refined, and cultured. Eventually he came to manage an affluent di...