The Return of the Native · Chapter
Book II: The Arrival explained
Clym Yeobright returns to Egdon Heath from Paris, stirring interest and speculation among the locals.
What happens
Clym Yeobright returns to Egdon Heath from Paris, stirring interest and speculation among the locals. His arrival sets the stage for his encounter with Eustacia Vye, who becomes fascinated by the idea of him as a potential escape from her isolated life.
Themes in this chapter
Modernity vs. Tradition
Clym's return from Paris introduces the clash between enlightened, urban values and the insular, traditional life of Egdon Heath.
Isolation and Loneliness
Eustacia's yearning for escape highlights her profound isolation on the heath, a central theme of the chapter.
Characters to notice
- Clym Yeobright
Returns to Egdon Heath from Paris, becoming the subject of local gossip and Eustacia's romantic imagination.
- Eustacia Vye
Grows intrigued by Clym's return, seeing him as a possible means to escape the heath.
- Thomasin Yeobright
Clym's cousin, whose recent jilting by Wildeve adds to the family's concerns.
- Mrs. Yeobright
Clym's mother, who hopes his return will bring stability and worries about his interest in Eustacia.
- Damon Wildeve
The innkeeper and former suitor of Thomasin, whose lingering connection to Eustacia complicates matters.
Key passages
“He left the heath, and the heath was left behind; he returned to the heath, and the heath was before him.”
Clym's departure and return to Egdon Heath are marked by the heath's unchanging presence, emphasizing its permanence in his life.
This line underscores the heath's role as a constant, almost sentient backdrop to Clym's journey.
“She had a mind to see him, and she would see him.”
Eustacia is determined to meet Clym, driven by curiosity and a desire for change.
Reveals Eustacia's willful and romantic nature, setting up her active pursuit of Clym.