Why It Matters Today
Thomas Hardy's 'Desperate Remedies' explores themes of love, social class, and morality that remain relevant as society continues to debate gender roles, social mobility, and personal choice.
Modern Connections
Big Ideas
Love can challenge societal norms.
Sometimes love pushes people to go against what society expects.
Social class deeply influences personal choices.
Where you come from can shape your options and decisions in life.
Morality is complex, not always black and white.
What's right or wrong isn't always clear-cut, especially when emotions or social pressures are involved.
What You'll Learn
- The social dynamics of Victorian England.
- How personal morals clash with societal expectations.
- The role of women and class in 19th-century England.
Reader Fit
✅ Good For
- Readers interested in historical social issues.
- Fans of romantic and emotional storytelling.
- Those curious about Victorian England.
⚠ Not Ideal For
- Readers looking for fast-paced modern fiction.
- People who dislike heavy themes of social critique and morality.
Controversies & Critiques
- Some critics argue Hardy's portrayal of women is idealized or limited by his time.
- Modern readers might find the novel's treatment of morality and social class simplistic or outdated.
Reading Context
Before Reading
- Learn about Victorian society and gender roles.
- Read a brief history of Hardy's life and influences.
After Reading
- Study modern gender and social class issues.
- Explore Hardy's other works and their themes.
Similar Books
Appeals to fans of: Gothic romances with social critique, such as the works of the Brontë sisters.
Classification Details
Author
Thomas Hardy
Published
1871
Language
English
Subjects
Young women -- Fiction, Love stories, Wessex (England) -- Fiction, Lady's maids -- Fiction
Curated Collections
This book appears in these curated collections:
