Thomas Hardy’s Under the Greenwood Tree, published anonymously in June 1872. Hardy’s work, which depicts the mythical village of Mellstock, shows the influence of the rural landscapes of the Dorset countryside where he spent his childhood. The witty and cleverly woven narrative covers the rich woods of the area, along with the prosperity of gossip and relationships among people in rural England in the past century.
The story revolves around two major storylines: the loss of the local musical culture and the romantic adventures of a young couple. The first significant storyline is the process of leaving behind the traditional choir from the Mellstock parish, which has long been instrumental in effective musical performances of the local people. This change happens due to the influence of a new instrument, the mechanical organ, which replaces choir singers and string players. The second storyline is concerned with Dick Dewy, the local carrier, whose life changes significantly with the arrival of Fancy Day – an attractive and smart teacher who abruptly contrasts with the rustic surroundings of the village.
Dick and Fancy have established a sincere romantic relationship, but this opportunity may be thwarted by Fancy’s personal dilemmas. Her education and upbringing produce in her a strong desire for sophistication and worldliness. This yearning creates important psychological barriers that Dick’s uncomplicated love cannot overcome. The contrast between true love and social aspirations is amplified further by the arrival of another suitor, Mr Maybold, who corresponds on all accounts to Fancy’s desire for high social status and financial security, so that this pastoral affair turns into a grim commentary regarding love and social advancement.
Hardy’s interpretation of Fancy is very intriguing. She is neither a pure heroine nor a naughty character; she is partly vain and ambitious, and one can recognise human behavioural traits in her. Her actions raise the question of whether we should choose true love or prioritise a better future through social status.
Although love is a key theme of the book, it is not the only reason for its significance. Hardy delivers intriguing descriptions of Christmas celebrations, carols, social dances, village celebrations, cider-making, bee-keeping and natural landscapes that are rapidly disappearing.
One of the main goals that this book serves is the way it handles change. The discussion surrounding the possibility of moving the old choir is about more than just the question of musical instruments – it is a symbol of the gradual extinction of community traditions as society becomes more modernised. Hardy shows this transformation with warmth instead of bitterness.
Thomas Hardy’s early novel, Under the Greenwood Tree, concludes with the wedding of the carrier Dick Dewy and the schoolmistress Fancy Day. After the wedding ceremony, the young couple rides off into the moonlit night in a carriage. On the way, Dick shares the pleasure of what they both consider to be complete openness between them, while Fancy timidly affirms his joyful remark but keeps the terrible secret of her having accepted Vicar Maybold’s proposal for a very brief period only to rescind it. The main idea of this moment is the realisation that it is impossible for people to experience intimacy without being faced with some obstacles. The wonders of a nightingale’s song compose the music for this important realisation.
That being said, it is essential to point out that, unlike Hardy’s dark and more philosophical tragedies written later in his career, Under the Greenwood Tree is full of light humour as well as tenderness. The underlying operations are not based on a chain of consequences and catastrophes that harm the main protagonists of the book, but there is an emphasis on the importance of the lives of simple country folks who experience ups and downs. While some books are written strictly for passing amusement and others aim to transport readers to a bygone era, Under the Greenwood Tree masterfully manages to achieve both.
