Trial by ordeal
Subtitle: Thomas Hardy and the critics
By: Edward Neill.
Series: Literary criticism in perspective
Publisher: Camden House
Published: 1999
Place of publication: Columbia, SC
Language: eng
Number of pages: 146
Subjects: Hardy, Thomas, 1840-1928 -- Criticism and interpretation -- History; Criticism -- Great Britain -- History -- 20th century; Criticism -- Great Britain -- History -- 19th century
Description: Trial by Ordeal takes a sharp look at central aspects of the critical reception of Thomas Hardy. It demonstrates how critical appropriations of Hardy's work often provide a simplifying, conventional, or conservative image of the writer, which a sophisticated view of his creative intentions by no means confirms.

Edward Neill discusses the dangers inherent in interpreting Hardy's writings in terms of his life; the limitations of criticism that views his work as nostalgic reaction; approaches to the poetry; and the critical response to Jude the Obscure.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [115]-137) and index.