# The Return of the Native 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, sparking interest and speculation among the local heathfolk. His arrival sets the stage for his encounters with Eustacia Vye and the unfolding of their tragic relationship.

## Themes in this chapter

### Modernity vs. Tradition

Clym's return from Paris introduces the conflict between cosmopolitan ideas and the insular life of Egdon Heath.

### Fate and Destiny

The heath itself is portrayed as a force that shapes the lives of its inhabitants, suggesting an inescapable destiny.

## Character check-ins

### Clym Yeobright

Returns to Egdon Heath from Paris, becoming the 'native' of the title.

### Eustacia Vye

Anticipates Clym's arrival as a potential escape from her isolated life on the heath.

### Mrs. Yeobright

Clym's mother, who has mixed feelings about his return and his plans to stay.

### Thomasin Yeobright

Clym's cousin, recently jilted by Wildeve, and a source of family concern.

### Damon Wildeve

The local innkeeper and former suitor of Thomasin, whose attentions now turn to Eustacia.

## Key lines

> The Return of the Native

Clym Yeobright comes back to his birthplace on Egdon Heath.

_The chapter title directly announces the central event of Clym's homecoming._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/chapters/the-return-of-the-native
- 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