# VI: Yeobright Goes, and the Breach Is Complete explained — The Return of the Native

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

## What happens

Clym Yeobright leaves his mother's house after a painful parting, determined to marry Eustacia Vye. He secures a small, secluded cottage for their future home. Mrs. Yeobright, devastated by the estrangement, receives a visit from Thomasin, who tries to console her. Thomasin also reveals her financial troubles with Wildeve, and Mrs. Yeobright offers her a share of the spade-guineas left by her uncle. The chapter ends with Wildeve learning of a cart from Mistover, hinting at ongoing connections.

## Themes in this chapter

### Isolation and Loneliness

Mrs. Yeobright's despair and Clym's solitary journey highlight the emotional isolation resulting from their breach.

### Love and Marriage

Clym's commitment to marry Eustacia despite his mother's opposition, and Thomasin's troubled marriage with Wildeve, explore the complexities of love and marital duty.

### Pride and Reputation

Mrs. Yeobright's pride prevents her from reconciling with Clym, and Thomasin hesitates to ask Wildeve for money due to pride.

## Character check-ins

### Clym Yeobright

Leaves his mother's house to prepare a home for Eustacia, showing determination and sorrow.

### Mrs. Yeobright

Grieves deeply over Clym's departure and feels betrayed, but tries to maintain composure.

### Thomasin Yeobright

Visits Mrs. Yeobright to offer comfort and discusses her financial difficulties with Wildeve.

### Damon Wildeve

Appears briefly at the Quiet Woman, observing a cart from Mistover.

## Key lines

> Mother, I am going to leave you

Clym announces his departure to his mother.

_This marks the final break between Clym and Mrs. Yeobright._

> I am going to be married on the twenty-fifth.

Clym informs his mother of his wedding date.

_He sets a specific date, emphasizing his commitment to Eustacia._

> O Thomasin, do you think he hates me? How can he bear to grieve me so, when I have lived only for him through all these years?

Mrs. Yeobright expresses her heartbreak and sense of betrayal.

_She feels her maternal sacrifices are unappreciated._

> It is only that he loves her too well.

Thomasin explains that Clym's actions stem from his love for Eustacia.

_She tries to soften Mrs. Yeobright's view of the situation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/chapters/vi-yeobright-goes-and-the-breach-is-complete
- 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