The story follows a superstitious man who is convinced that his life is cursed by a supernatural force. He believes that his fate is predetermined and that he is doomed to suffer misfortune. He is so convinced of this that he refuses to take any action to improve his life, believing that it will only make matters worse. The story follows the man as he encounters a series of strange events and coincidences that seem to confirm his superstitions. He meets a mysterious woman who claims to be able to help him, but he refuses her offer. He also meets a man who claims to be able to tell him his future, but again he refuses. The story culminates in a dramatic climax as the man is forced to confront his fears and superstitions. He ultimately discovers that his life is not cursed, and that he has the power to change his own destiny.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1891 · Genre: Realistic Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction