Hardy and the Feminist Critique
I am writing my dissertation on Hardy's heroines in The Woodlanders, Far From the Madding Crowd and Tess. I'm arguing against feminist, or otherwise, suggestions that Hardy was a misogynist. I'm also assessing their claims and considering how much these critics have gleamed for themselves.
I'm interested to see what other people feel about Hardy and his heroines. Is he attacking women, their actions and the consequences? Or do you think he is attacking the social hierarchy and showing the limitations on women?