The Three Strangers Analaysis
The Three Strangers Analysis Essay In the story of The Three Strangers, Thomas Hardy wanted to shed light on a conflict prevalent in society—appearance versus reality. It is very rare for people to reveal everything about themselves, and if they do, they are often considered foolish and gullible. In Hardy’s story he gives examples of how most things are not what they appear. Hardy hopes that after reading The Three Strangers, the readers will be more aware of the complexities of human interaction in life. The Three Strangers begins by describing a barren countryside where only solitary shepherds live. Hardy explains how one particular cottage was situated five miles from the closest town, however it was still very isolated because of the “irregular upland” (pg. 312) and severe seasons. The phrase “[I]rregular upland” can be inferred to mean a hilly, and possibly rocky, terrain further emphasizing the inhospitable environment as bleak and depressed. This cottage, called Higher Crowstairs, stood in a crossing of two paths creating a right angle and was therefore completely exposed to all the elements. Many neighbors took pity on the owners, however, they claimed that by living away from the city and people, they avoided illness unlike many city folk. The house’s location may appear to bring only difficulties, when in actuality the owners are very happy and comfortable in their cottage. On March 28th in the 1820’s, it was a stormy, rainy evening forcing the livestock to turn their backs to the wind, a lone bird to roost on a windblown bush, and the sound of an eave flapping against the wall. This outer appearance is misleading as the shepherds were having a gathering inside, “Yet never was commiseration for the shepherd more misplaced.” All nineteen guests at the shepherd’s home were entertained with music and nourishing food and drink. The shepherd’s wife, Mrs. Fennel, was well acquainted with the consequences of two very different types of parties. She