“THOMAS HARDY.”

Otago Witness, Issue 3881, 31 July 1928, Page 75

“THOMAS HARDY.”

Under the auspices of the Literary Society of the University of Otago, Professor Ramsay (English, language and literature) gave an address on Wednesdav evening on “ Thomas Hardy.” Miss P. Johnstone introduced the lecturer. Professor Ramsay gave a synopsis of the author’s life and work, and then dealt with his qualities in general. Hardy, he said, had a long and tranquil life. His writings were worthy of attention, taking public opinion as a guide. His first novels, dealing with Wessex life, were “ Under the Greenwood Tree,” “ A Pail' of Blue Eyes” (his first tragic story), and “Far from the Madding Crown.” Sir George Douglas, who knew’ Hardy in his lifetime, was questioned one day by the author as to which of his works he liked best. “ The Trumpet Major” was the reply. This did not satisfy Hardy, who said, “Oh! one of the pretty ones.” In 1891 ■ Hardy raised a *storm of execration with “ Tess of the D’Urbervilles.” In 1895. there followed what proved the last of his novels, “Jude the Obscure,” for its malevolent reception determined him to write no more fiction. His enic poem, “The Dynast,” produced in 1906, was almost W’orthy of ranking with “ Paradise Lost.” Before he finally devoted himself to literary life Hardy wms an architect/ Some of the effects of his architectural training were shown in his work. It was all well planned and symmetrical. His novels, like good buildings, seemed to grow out of the ground in full harmony with their environment. He knew Wessex through and through—its landscapes, ruins, folklore, and people, occupations, and character types. He was an unsurpassed master in regional fiction. ' Scott, in his novels, was not his superior. A striking virtue in Hardy was his consistency of tone and personality. The leettfrer. also dealt with Hardy’s temperament and point of view—his philosophy of life—and expressed his regret that he had not been able to take up the author’s style, his characters, and other aspects of his books.

At the close of an hour’s address, Professor Ramsay was warmly thanked for his remaarks.