Alicia's Diary by Thomas Hardy
The narrative unfolds through the diary entries of a woman reflecting on her sister Caroline's life and impending marriage to M. Charles de la Feste, a French painter. The story begins with the protagonist's melancholy as her sister and mother depart for France, leaving her to manage their home and her father's parish duties. As Caroline becomes enchanted by Paris and its social scene, the protagonist grows increasingly concerned about her sister's emotional well-being and the influence of M. de la Feste. As letters from Caroline reveal her growing affection for M. de la Feste, the protagonist grapples with her own feelings of protectiveness and jealousy. The engagement is announced, but the sudden death of their mother casts a shadow over the impending marriage. Caroline's grief leads to a postponement of the wedding, and the protagonist becomes more involved in caring for her sister. As time passes, Caroline's health deteriorates due to her heartbreak, prompting the protagonist to take drastic measures. In a moment of desperation, she orchestrates a mock marriage between Caroline and M. de la Feste to provide her sister with comfort. This act, however, complicates the relationships between the three characters, as the protagonist realizes her own feelings for M. de la Feste have deepened. The story reaches a climax when Caroline, believing she is married, travels to Venice to find M. de la Feste. The protagonist follows, leading to a confrontation where the truth about the mock marriage is revealed. Caroline's reaction is one of betrayal, and the protagonist is left to navigate the fallout of her actions. Ultimately, M. de la Feste's tragic death shortly after the wedding leaves Caroline in mourning, while the protagonist reflects on the consequences of their choices. The narrative concludes with the protagonist's acknowledgment of her sister's eventual acceptance of a new love, Theophilus Higham, who represents a path toward healing and redemption. The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of familial bonds, culminating in a poignant reflection on the nature of happiness and the burdens of the past.
By Thomas Hardy · Genre: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Drama · 16,371 words
First lines
July 7. -- I wander about the house in a mood of unutterable sadness, for my dear sister Caroline has left home today with my mother, and I shall not see them again for several weeks. They have accepted a long-standing invitation to visit some old friends of ours, the Marlets, who live at Versailles for cheapness -- my mother thinking that it will be for the good of Caroline to see a little of France and Paris. But I don't quite like her going. I fear she may lose some of that childlike simplicity and gentleness which so characterize her, and have been nourished by the seclusion of our life here. Her solicitude about her pony before starting was quite touching, and she made me promise to visit it daily, and see that it came to no harm. Caroline gone abroad, and I left here! It is the reverse of an ordinary situation, for good or ill-luck has mostly ordained that I should be the absent one. Mother will be quite tired out by the young enthusiasm of Caroline. She will demand to be taken everywhere -- to Paris continually, of course; to all the stock shrines of history's devotees; to palaces and prisons; to kings' tombs and queens' tombs; to cemeteries and picture-galleries, and royal hunting forests. My poor mother, having gone over most of this ground many times before, will perhaps not find the perambulation so exhilarating as will Caroline herself. I wish I could have gone with them. I would not have minded having my legs walked off to please Caroline. But this regret is absurd: I could not, of course, leave my father with not a soul in the house to attend to the calls of the parishioners or to pour out his tea.
What this Textopian page supports
Alicia's Diary is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas Hardy, dated Date unknown.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Thomas Hardy
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Drama, Romance, Psychological
- Length: 16,371 words
- Structure: 1 section, 78 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Alicia's Diary by Thomas Hardy
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Fiction — The narrative is a fictional account exploring personal experiences and emotions.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style emphasizes character development and thematic depth.
- Drama — The plot involves intense emotional conflicts and personal struggles.
- Romance — Themes of love and relationships are central to the narrative.
Tags
Diary · Literary Fiction · Coming-of-Age · Social Commentary · Realism · Victorian Era · English Literature · Female Protagonist · Autobiographical · Psychological Insight · Morality Tale · Societal Critique