Topic Discussion：Write no less than 150 words on each of the following topics in English in the corresponding space on the answer sheet.Why is Hardy regarded as a naturalistic writer in English literature? Discuss in relation to his novels you know.
A. HARDY’S NOVELS ARE ALL VICTORIAN IN DATE. MOST OF THEM ARE SET IN WESSEX, THE FICTIONAL PRIMITIVE AND CRUDE RURAL REGION WHICH IS REALLY THE HOME PLACE HE BOTH LOVES AND HATES, SUCH AS THE RETURN OF THE NATIVE, TESS OF THE D’ URBERVILLES AND JUDE THE OBSCURE. THESE WORKS, KNOWN AS “NOVELS OF CHARACTER AND ENVIRONMENT,” ARE THE MOST REPRESENTATIVE OF HIM AS BOTH A NATURALISTIC AND A CRITICAL REALIST WRITER.
B. LIVING AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY, HARDY IS OFTEN REGARDED AS A TRANSITIONAL WRITER. IN HIM WE SEE THE INFLUENCE FROM BOTH THE PAST AND THE MODERN. THE PESSIMISTIC VIEW OF LIFE PREDOMINATES MOST OF HARDY’S LATER WORKS AND EARNS HIM A REPUTATION AS A NATURALISTIC WRITER. THOUGH NATURALISM SEEMS TO HAVE PLAYED AN IMPORTANT PART IN HARDY’S WORKS, THERE IS ALSO BITTER AND SHARP CRITICISM AND EVEN OPEN CHALLENGE OF THE IRRATIONAL, HYPOCRITICAL AND UNFAIR VICTORIAN INSTITUTIONS, CONVENTIONS AND MORALS.
C. HE TELLS VERY GOOD STORIES AND HE IS A GREAT PAINTER OF NATURE. HIS HEROES AND HEROINES, THOSE UNFORTUNATE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN IN THEIR DESPERATE STRUGGLE FOR PERSONAL FULFILLMENT AND HAPPINESS, ARE ALL VIVIDLY AND REALISTICALLY DEPICTED. AND ALL THE WORKS OF HARDY ARE NOTED FOR THE RUSTIC DIALECT AND A POETIC FLAVOR WHICH FITS WELL INTO THEIR PERFECTLY DESIGNED ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES. THEY ARE THE PRODUCT OF A CONSCIENTIOUS ARTIST.
