Wessex . llage, as old-fashioned as itwas small, unhappy Jude proceeded to Christminster(Oxford) with the ambition of obtaining a goodeducation. From thence the scene of the story istransferred to Melchester (Salisbury), where Jude goeswith the intention of taking Holy Orders. Here it isthat his chance of such a consummation of his wishesis wrecked by philandering with Sue Bridehead. Theother scenes of this novel are laid in Shaftesbury(Shaston), where still stands the house, Old GrovesPlace, with its Georgian panelling, from the window ofwhich Sue jumped. Of this house, which stands justbeyon
Wessex . llage, as old-fashioned as itwas small, unhappy Jude proceeded to Christminster(Oxford) with the ambition of obtaining a goodeducation. From thence the scene of the story istransferred to Melchester (Salisbury), where Jude goeswith the intention of taking Holy Orders. Here it isthat his chance of such a consummation of his wishesis wrecked by philandering with Sue Bridehead. Theother scenes of this novel are laid in Shaftesbury(Shaston), where still stands the house, Old GrovesPlace, with its Georgian panelling, from the window ofwhich Sue jumped. Of this house, which stands justbeyond Bimport, Sue said : It is so antique and dismalthat it depresses me dreadfully ; such houses are verywell to visit but not to live in. I feel crushed into theearth by the weight of so many previous lives therespent. And it is the note of despair similar to thatexperienced by Sue at Old Groves Place that is thepredominant one of this strange and fascinating thoughgloomy book. 270 BURTON BRADSTOCK, DORSET. Thomas Hardys Genius Of the other spots mentioned casually by Mr Hardyin his collections of short stories, Wessex Tales and AGroup of Noble Dames^ it is impossible to speak. Manyof them have already been referred to in the foregoingpages, whilst others lie scattered as secluded hamlets ormere landmarks throughout the length and breadth ofthe land which he has made his own. Mr Hardys place in the very front rank of modernEnglish authors was long ago accorded him by the criticaland the intelligent reader. It is no small satisfaction tothose who care most for what is best in English literatureof the higher and least meretricious type to know thatthe circle of his admirers is an ever-widening one, andthat, in a word, he has at last come to his own. Of the debt which future historians and students, forwhom local customs, habits, and types of rustic characterand the like are a matter of interest, owe him, thosewho know Wessex well can best speak. In his bookshe has touched in with
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