| | The "wheel of fortune" is another recurring tragic feature. Characters will often transition from a low social position to a higher one, or vice versa. This is often catalyzed by the introduction of an "outsider", who will appear towards the beginning of the story and upset the established social order. This social and technological transition reflects the great changes brought about by the [[Industrial revolution]]. Also, there are the themes of religion. Though a practicing [[Anglican]], Hardy would often question his faith and the Church through his novels and poetry. He portrayed the devoutly religious as dogmatic, callous, and at odds with the kinder, meek faith of the protagonists. This caused controversy, with religious figures condemning this negative attitude, as well as Hardy's sympathetic depiction of "fallen women". | | The "wheel of fortune" is another recurring tragic feature. Characters will often transition from a low social position to a higher one, or vice versa. This is often catalyzed by the introduction of an "outsider", who will appear towards the beginning of the story and upset the established social order. This social and technological transition reflects the great changes brought about by the [[Industrial revolution]]. Also, there are the themes of religion. Though a practicing [[Anglican]], Hardy would often question his faith and the Church through his novels and poetry. He portrayed the devoutly religious as dogmatic, callous, and at odds with the kinder, meek faith of the protagonists. This caused controversy, with religious figures condemning this negative attitude, as well as Hardy's sympathetic depiction of "fallen women". |