Social Commentary & Character Analysis in Thomas Hardy’s “The Son’s Veto”
Contextual Information
When analyzing a text, it’s essential to consider the context in which it was written. This includes:
- The time period in which the text was written
- The author’s background and biography
- The audience the text was intended for
- The social and cultural context of the time
“Context is the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood.”
Close Reading and Narrative Construction
When reading a text, it’s crucial to pay attention to the narrative construction and the choices the writer makes. This includes:
- The architecture of the piece: how the story is structured and put together
- The use of language: the diction, connotations, and denotations of words
- The repetition of certain words or images: how these elements are used to convey meaning
The Importance of Diction
Diction is the choice of words used in a text. It’s essential to consider the connotations and denotations of words, as they can greatly impact the meaning of the text.
“Diction is the choice of words and phrases in speech or writing. Connotation refers to the emotions or ideas suggested by a word, while denotation refers to the literal meaning of a word.”
The Structure of a Short Story
A short story is a linear temporal phenomenon, meaning it’s a series of incremental pulses that build upon each other. It’s essential to consider the structure of the story, including:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Beginning | The opening of the story, which sets the tone and introduces the characters and setting |
| Middle | The main body of the story, where the plot unfolds and the characters develop |
| End | The conclusion of the story, where the plot is resolved and the themes are revealed |
Reading and Rereading
According to Vladimir Nabokov, “there’s no such thing as reading, only rereading.” This means that the first time you read a text, you’re not fully understanding it, and it’s only through rereading that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text.
Analyzing a Text
When analyzing a text, it’s essential to consider the following:
- Pay attention to your response: how you feel and react to the text
- Flag important passages: use post-it notes or make marks in the margin to highlight important sections
- Make notes: use a notebook to record your thoughts and ideas
- Consider the author’s purpose: what message is the author trying to convey?
Reading and Responding to Literature
Noticing and Articulating Responses
Criticism is not just some inscrutable, mysterious process. As readers, we are our own literary critics, and it’s essential to develop the skills to notice and articulate our responses to a work of art.
“Criticism is the process of noticing and articulating our responses to a work of art, a story, a painting, a song, a play, a film, or any other form of creative expression.”
To develop this skill, we need to:
- Notice ourselves responding to a work of art, moment by moment
- Get better at articulating that response
The Importance of Intuition
Our intuition plays a significant role in our response to a work of art. We often know something is true or not quite right before we can articulate the words.
Lacan
“The pre-symbolic mode of language” refers to the way we know something is true or not quite right before we can articulate the words.
Paying Attention to What Appeals to Us
When reading a story, pay attention to what appeals to you and ask yourself why. Equally, pay attention to what doesn’t appeal to you and turn it into an intellectual puzzle.
| What Appeals to You | Why |
|---|---|
| Characterization | You enjoy understanding the characters’ motivations and emotions |
| World-building | You appreciate the creation of a new and immersive world |
| Landscape and geography | You enjoy the descriptive language used to create a sense of place |
The Significance of Titles
Titles of stories are often significant, giving us a glimpse into the essence of what the story is about.
“The title of a story is like the first line of a poem, it gives us a sense of what the story is about.”
Jack Hodgins
Close Reading: “The Son’s Veto”
Let’s take a closer look at the first paragraph of “The Son’s Veto” by Thomas Hardy.
To the eyes of a man viewing it from behind, the nut brown hair was a wonder and a mystery. Under the black beaver hat, surmounted by its tuft of black feathers, the long locks braided and twisted and coiled like the rushes of a basket composed a rare, if somewhat barbaric, example of ingenious art.
Imagery
The description of the nut brown hair is vivid and detailed, using words like “wonder”, “mystery”, “braided”, “twisted”, and “coiled”.
Tension
The use of words like “twisted” and “coiled” creates a sense of tension in the opening paragraph.
Description
The description of the hair is intricate and detailed, almost to the point of being excessive.
| Description | Significance |
|---|---|
| Nut brown hair | The color and texture of the hair are emphasized, creating a sense of wonder and mystery |
| Black beaver hat | The hat adds to the overall image of the character, creating a sense of elegance and sophistication |
| Braided and twisted locks | The intricate description of the hair creates a sense of tension and excess |
Character Analysis: Sophie
Sophie is described as “barbaric” and “uncivilized,” implying a contrast between her natural, unrefined state and the refined, educated world of her son. Her lameness and lower-class status are highlighted, creating a sense of tension and mixed feelings about her character.
Sophie’s desire for a simpler life is evident in her relationship with Sam, a greengrocer, and her eventual desire to marry him.
Themes
Class System
The story critiques the class system of England, highlighting the tensions and conventions that govern social relationships.
Education vs. Humanity
The education system is portrayed as ousting humanity, as seen in the character of Sophie’s son, who prioritizes appearances and prestige over his mother’s happiness.
Symbolism
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Hair | Associated with wasted time and a preposterous waste of effort. Sophie’s hair is often described in the context of her unhappiness and confinement. |
| Color | Descriptions of color shift depending on the context, with brighter colors associated with Sophie’s happier moments with Sam and duller colors associated with her unhappiness at home. |
Character Development: Sophie’s Son
Initially, Sophie’s son is portrayed as well-mannered and educated, but as the story progresses, his true nature is revealed, showing him to be concerned with appearances and prestige.
His education has “ousted his humanity,” leading him to prioritize his own interests over his mother’s happiness.
Quotes and Analysis
“His education had, by this time, sufficiently ousted his humanity to keep him quite firm.”
This quote highlights the tension between education and humanity, suggesting that the education system can lead to a loss of empathy and compassion.
Imagery and Setting
The story features vivid descriptions of setting, including the “vacant thoroughfare” and the “lamp stood like sentinels waiting for some procession to go by.”
These images create a sense of Sophie’s confinement and imprisonment in her own home.
Authorial Intent
Thomas Hardy’s critique of the class system and education is evident throughout the story.
The narrative point of view on Sophie is complex, presenting a mixed view of her character and highlighting the tensions between her natural state and the refined world of her son.
Identifying the Big Idea
When analyzing a story, it’s essential to identify the big idea or theme. This can be done by summarizing the story in a sentence or two. The big idea is the underlying message the author is trying to convey.
Social Commentary in Literature
In the context of the story, Thomas Hardy is making a social commentary on the class system, education, and the church. He highlights the struggles of different classes and how they view each other.
| Class Struggles | View of Other Classes |
|---|---|
| Upper Class | Limited by conventions and codes Looks down on lower classes |
| Lower Class | Limited by lack of opportunities Resents upper class for their privileges |
Critique of Social Systems
Hardy’s critique of social systems is evident in his portrayal of characters who are bored, miserable, and lifeless. This is a commentary on how societal expectations can stifle individual freedom and happiness.
“Lifelessness” refers to a state of being devoid of energy, vitality, or purpose.
The Dangers of Conformity
The story warns against the dangers of conformity and the importance of living life to the fullest. As the professor notes, “Carpe diem. Go ride on a carriage with cabbages and enjoy the rest of your day. Don’t thwart your life to some kind of codes and conventions that keep you miserable and a prisoner.”
Sophie, a character in the story, is unable to inhabit her position as a mother and widow of a vicar. This is due to various reasons, which Hardy critiques as being a result of societal expectations and limitations.