[Hardy-l] RE: Teaching Hardy

[Niemeyer, Paul J.]

At risk of sounding cynical, I'd like to point out that, to a good number of American students, any Hardy novel is likely to be new.  I've encountered a few students who read Tess in high school and one or two who've had Jude; and if in college they've taken a standard second semester British Lit survey course with the ubiquitous Norton anthologies, they've likely read "On the Western Circuit" and the most popular poems -- otherwise, it's virgin territory, so, Beth, teach the four novels you like the best!  Beth originally asked what her "fourth" book should be: I've often recommended Far from the Madding Crowd as a "starter" for Hardy, and it could work to introduce a course.
 
Best,
 
Paul Niemeyer
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