The aim of this paper is to analyse the character of Jocelyn Pierston as a tragic hero. The paper focuses on two novels - "The Pursuit of the Well-Beloved" and "The Well- Beloved" - and is divided into two main chapters, while the latter novel is preferred. The first half of the work is dedicated to the Aristotelian concept of the tragic hero, its usage and the conditions for a protagonist to be labeled as such. In addition, some of Thomas Hardy’s opinions on humanity, fate and nature will be shown and discussed with several sources, as well as his attitude towards tragic heroes. In the second half the main protagonist is thoroughly examined in both novels in order to find his tragic flaw and understand his character.By the analysis of various tragic effects depicted in the source texts the thesis tries to argue whether Pierston fulfills those conditions and is a tragic hero or whether he simply lacks the needed qualities.
Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 The Concept of the Tragic Hero
- 2.1 Thomas Hardy's tragic heroes
- 2.1.1 Heroes' tragic flaw
- 2.1.2 The realisation of the hero's downfall
- 3 The Well-Beloved
- 3.1 Jocelyn Pierston
- 3.1.1 Pierston's character and social standing
- 3.1.2 Pierston's tragic flaw
- 3.1.3 The extent of Pierston's downfall
- 3.1.4 External forces affecting Pierston
- 3.4 Pierston in The Pursuit Of The Well-Beloved
- 4 Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis analyzes Jocelyn Pierston, the protagonist of Thomas Hardy's The Pursuit of the Well-Beloved and The Well-Beloved, to determine if he qualifies as a tragic hero according to Aristotelian principles. The work explores the Aristotelian concept of the tragic hero and examines Hardy's perspective on tragic heroes within the context of his own life and work. The analysis focuses on Pierston's character, his flaws, and the extent of his downfall, comparing and contrasting his portrayal in both novels.
- The Aristotelian definition of a tragic hero and its application to literary characters.
- Thomas Hardy's views on tragedy, fate, and human nature.
- An in-depth character analysis of Jocelyn Pierston, focusing on his strengths and weaknesses.
- An examination of Pierston's tragic flaw and its consequences.
- A comparative analysis of Pierston's portrayal in The Pursuit of the Well-Beloved and The Well-Beloved.
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: This introductory chapter provides background information on Thomas Hardy, his literary style, and his place within the Naturalist movement. It highlights his critical stance on Victorian morality and social conditions and mentions his preference for rural settings, using his fictional "Wessex" as a backdrop. The chapter establishes the thesis's aim: to analyze Jocelyn Pierston's character in Hardy's The Pursuit of the Well-Beloved and The Well-Beloved to determine if he fits the criteria of a tragic hero. It outlines the structure of the thesis, which will first explore the concept of the tragic hero and then analyze Pierston's character and actions.
2 The Concept of the Tragic Hero: This chapter delves into Aristotle's definition of a tragic hero, exploring the essential qualities and characteristics required for a protagonist to be classified as such. It examines different interpretations and applications of this concept within literary criticism. Further, a significant portion is dedicated to Thomas Hardy's own perspective on tragic heroes, analyzing his portrayal of such characters in his novels and how his personal views on fate, humanity, and nature may have informed his creation of these figures. The chapter lays the theoretical groundwork for the subsequent analysis of Pierston.
3 The Well-Beloved: This chapter presents a detailed analysis of Jocelyn Pierston in Thomas Hardy's The Well-Beloved. It examines Pierston's character, social standing, and his defining tragic flaw. The chapter explores the extent of his downfall, analyzing the internal and external forces that contribute to his tragic fate. A key aspect is comparing and contrasting Pierston's experiences and characteristics as presented in both The Well-Beloved and its earlier version, The Pursuit of the Well-Beloved, highlighting the significant changes made between the two novels and their impact on Pierston's character arc and ultimate fate. The focus remains on a cohesive summary of Pierston’s journey throughout the chosen novel.
Thomas Hardy's Tragic Hero: Jocelyn Pierston - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main topic of this academic text?
This thesis analyzes Jocelyn Pierston, the protagonist of Thomas Hardy's The Pursuit of the Well-Beloved and The Well-Beloved, to determine if he qualifies as a tragic hero according to Aristotelian principles. It explores the Aristotelian concept of the tragic hero and examines Hardy's perspective on tragic heroes within the context of his own life and work. The analysis focuses on Pierston's character, his flaws, and the extent of his downfall, comparing and contrasting his portrayal in both novels.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
The text explores the Aristotelian definition of a tragic hero and its application to literary characters; Thomas Hardy's views on tragedy, fate, and human nature; an in-depth character analysis of Jocelyn Pierston, focusing on his strengths and weaknesses; an examination of Pierston's tragic flaw and its consequences; and a comparative analysis of Pierston's portrayal in The Pursuit of the Well-Beloved and The Well-Beloved.
What is the structure of the text?
The text is structured into four chapters: An introduction providing background on Thomas Hardy and the thesis's objective; a chapter defining the concept of the tragic hero according to Aristotle and Hardy's perspective; a chapter dedicated to a detailed analysis of Jocelyn Pierston's character and downfall in both novels; and a concluding chapter. A table of contents is also provided outlining the specific sub-sections within each chapter.
How does the text analyze Jocelyn Pierston?
The analysis of Jocelyn Pierston focuses on his character, social standing, and his tragic flaw. It examines the internal and external forces contributing to his downfall, comparing and contrasting his portrayal in The Pursuit of the Well-Beloved and The Well-Beloved to highlight the evolution of his character and the impact of changes between the two novels on his fate.
What is the significance of Aristotle's concept of the tragic hero in this text?
Aristotle's definition of a tragic hero serves as the theoretical framework for evaluating Jocelyn Pierston's character. The text uses Aristotle's criteria to determine whether Pierston meets the requirements of a tragic hero and explores different interpretations and applications of this concept within literary criticism.
What role does Thomas Hardy's perspective play in the analysis?
The text examines Thomas Hardy's personal views on tragedy, fate, and human nature, analyzing how these views may have influenced his portrayal of tragic heroes in his novels and shaped the character of Jocelyn Pierston. This contextual understanding informs the interpretation of Pierston's actions and ultimate fate.
What is the conclusion of the text likely to address?
The conclusion will likely summarize the findings of the analysis, definitively stating whether Jocelyn Pierston qualifies as a tragic hero based on the evidence presented and the application of Aristotelian principles. It may also discuss the broader implications of the analysis for understanding Hardy's work and the concept of the tragic hero in literature.
What are some keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include: Thomas Hardy, The Well-Beloved, The Pursuit of the Well-Beloved, Jocelyn Pierston, Tragic Hero, Aristotle, Aristotelian Tragedy, Tragic Flaw, Fate, Human Nature, Victorian Literature, Naturalist Movement, Character Analysis, Literary Criticism.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Martin Mares (Autor:in), 2013, The Aristotelian Tragic Hero in Thomas Hardy´s Novels. A Comparative Study, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/505638
