# Book II: The Arrival explained — The Return of the Native

> Chapter companion for The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/chapters/book-ii-the-arrival
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/chapters