Thomas Hardy, Metaphysics and Music

Mark Asquith's study presents a fresh perspective on Thomas Hardy's artistry as a novelist, specifically through the lens of musical metaphors. Drawing on extensive archival research in both science and musicology, the work offers innovative interpretations of musical scenes across Hardy's major novels, including Jude the Obscure, Far From the Madding Crowd, and The Mayor of Casterbridge, as well as his earlier fiction, The Poor Man and the Lady. This analysis is poised to enrich the understanding of Hardy's literary contributions for scholars and enthusiasts alike.