Theme in The Return of the Native

When we talk about theme in fiction, we talk about the major ideas that the novelist, and the narrative, is exploring in the work.  What ideas do you think Hardy investigates in The Return of the Native?  And, what about the novel--the plot, character, setting, narrative point of view--suggest the theme or themes?  Plot is what happens in the novel, the sequence of events.  Theme is what the novel is "about." 

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

What do you think is the speaker's most persuasive point in "The Cry of the Children"?  In other words, what part of the poem, or technique, would most spur the readers to act against child labor?  On the other hand, do you think that the poem is too dramatic to be really effective?

Tennyson's Politics

It is tempting to talk about Tennyson, and the other Victorian poets, as artists only, but it is difficult to dismiss the political/social/cultural commentary in the poems.  The observations Jared made last week about the working classes in "The Lotos Eaters" and "Locksley Hall" are good examples of the political voice or message in the poetry.

Do you see any other evidence of political or social commentary?  Think about all the poetry we discussed.