# Book VI: Aftercourses explained — The Return of the Native

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

## What happens

The aftermath of the tragedy at Shadwater Weir unfolds. Eustacia and Wildeve are found dead, while Clym survives. The community mourns and reflects on the events. Thomasin and Venn eventually marry, and Clym becomes an itinerant preacher, finding solace in his new role.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fate and Destiny

The tragic deaths of Eustacia and Wildeve underscore the inescapable fate that has pursued them throughout the novel.

### Isolation and Loneliness

Eustacia's isolation from the Egdon community and her ultimate loneliness are highlighted in her death.

## Character check-ins

### Eustacia Vye

Eustacia is found dead after the drowning at Shadwater Weir, ending her tumultuous journey.

### Clym Yeobright

Clym survives the drowning but is deeply changed; he later becomes an itinerant preacher.

### Thomasin Yeobright

Thomasin marries Diggory Venn after the tragedy, finding a stable and loving partnership.

### Damon Wildeve

Wildeve dies alongside Eustacia in the drowning at Shadwater Weir.

### Diggory Venn

Venn marries Thomasin, having long been devoted to her, and settles into a quiet life.

## Key lines

> The story of the deaths of Eustacia and Wildeve is told in the aftermath.

The narrative recounts the discovery and impact of Eustacia and Wildeve's deaths.

_Summarizes the immediate aftermath of the drowning._

> Clym becomes an itinerant preacher, finding a new purpose.

Clym takes up a wandering ministry, which gives his life new meaning.

_Describes Clym's transformation after the tragedy._

> Thomasin marries Diggory Venn, concluding her story with a happy union.

Thomasin and Diggory Venn marry, bringing her narrative to a contented close.

_Highlights the resolution of Thomasin's romantic arc._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/chapters/book-vi-aftercourses
- 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