The Return Of the Native is widely recognised as the most representative of Hardy`s Wessex novels. He evokes the dismal presence and menacing beauty of Egdon Heath- reaching out to touch the lives and fate of all who dwel on it. The central figure is Clym Yeobright, the returning `native`, and the story tells of his love for the beautiful but capricious Eustacia Vye.

As the narrative unfolds and character after character is driven to self- destruction, the presence of the Heath becomes all-emracing, while Clym becomes a travelling preacher in an attempt to assuage his guilt.