"Discuss the character of Clym Yeobright in 'The Return of the Native'. Do you consider that his altruism is genuine or a vehicle for self-fulfilment?" Discuss.

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"Discuss the character of Clym Yeobright in 'The Return of the Native'. Do you consider that his altruism is genuine or a vehicle for self-fulfilment?" Discuss.

One of Hardy's classic statements about modern love, courtship and marriage, 'The Return of the Native' is set in the pastoral village of Egdon Heath. The fiery Eustacia Vye, wishing only for passionate love, believes that her escape from Egdon lies in her marriage to Clym Yeobright, the returning 'native', home from Paris and dissatisfied with his work there. Clym wishes to remain in Egdon, a desire that sets him in opposition to his wife and brings them both to despair.

Clym is the patient, generous and some what naïve protagonist, who has a romantic, socialist outlook on life, he is nonetheless deeply determined and introspective. Throughout the novel he represents Hardy's opinion of the modern man, as well as Hardy himself, as the novel is partly autobiographical. His character gives the lives of the members of the Heath a sort of extension, when he is in Paris they are able to both live through, and aspire to him, making him an important part of the Heath regardless of his