The Chosen by Thomas Hardy (1920)
The narrative follows a protagonist who reflects on his romantic experiences with five different women, each representing distinct qualities and attributes. He grapples with the complexities of love and desire, ultimately seeking a singular ideal that embodies the essence of all five. As he contemplates his past relationships, he realizes that none of the women fully satisfied his longing for a perfect partner. This leads him to a moment of revelation where he believes he has finally found the woman who encapsulates all he has sought. However, as he pursues her, he senses a mystical barrier that seems to hinder their connection. The woman, initially enchanted, begins to withdraw, causing the protagonist distress. He follows her through a desolate landscape, pleading for her to acknowledge him. In a moment of desperation, he kneels at a stone and prays for her to turn back to him. When she finally does, he perceives that her beauty is a composite of all five women he had previously encountered. This realization brings both joy and sorrow, as he understands that while he has found a woman who embodies his desires, she is also a reminder of his past failures in love. The protagonist carries her to a secluded place, where he tends to her, recognizing that in her, he can reconcile his fragmented experiences. The work explores themes of love, identity, and the search for wholeness, illustrating the protagonist's journey through emotional turmoil and self-discovery. Ultimately, it reflects on the nature of desire and the complexities of human relationships, suggesting that true fulfillment may lie in the acceptance of multifaceted experiences rather than the pursuit of an unattainable ideal.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1920 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Poetry · 584 words
First lines
"Ατιυά ἐστιν ἀλληγορούμενα
"A WOMAN for whom great gods might strive! " / I said, and kissed her there: / And then I thought of the other five, / And of how charms outwear.
What this Textopian page supports
The Chosen is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas Hardy, dated 1920 CE.
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: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance, Poetry, Philosophical Fiction, Tragedy
- Length: 584 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Chosen by Thomas Hardy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- The Years Awakening by Thomas Hardy
- The House Of Hospitalities by Thomas Hardy
- The Coronation by Thomas Hardy
- The Seven Times by Thomas Hardy
- One We Knew by Thomas Hardy
- Her Father by Thomas Hardy
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of love, identity, and the human experience through rich character development and intricate prose.
- Romance — The central plot revolves around romantic relationships and the protagonist's quest for love among multiple women.
- Poetry — The writing style employs poetic elements, including rhythm and imagery, reflecting the emotional depth of the narrative.
- Philosophical Fiction — The themes provoke contemplation on the nature of desire and the essence of womanhood, inviting philosophical inquiry.
Tags
fate · destiny · love · sacrifice · class · society · conflict · identity · family · tradition · religion · morality