Both Thomas Hardy and Charles Dickens use place and character to great effect in these two pre 20th century texts, "Far From The Madding Crowd" and "Great Expectations". The setting in these novels is much more important than the superficial role that the vast majority take. The landscape is more than just a description, and with the use of the weather suggests something ominous that is about to happen. They both use the pathetic fallacy where the internal emotions of the characters are being externalised. Both novels contain a juxtaposition of vulnerable human beings with vast, uncontrollable landscapes or conditions. The authors use language to create a sense of malaise, and unease. Setting augments much of the storyline and characterisation. The characters in both novels are insignificant in the vast and inhospitable landscape.
The opening of "Great Expectations" introduces us to Pip, and the daunting landscape to which he is exposed. It is written in the first person, which makes the novel more personal, and allows the reader to feel closer to the action. The opening paragraph is heavily descriptive, with great attention paid to the austere landscape. The bleak, stereotypical graveyard contributes to the sombre atmosphere and indicates something of Pips history. The atmosphere created is both oppressive and tyrannical which is conveyed through the choice of language and imagery. For example, the use of heavy sounding words combined with alliteration:.
"Low Leaden Line".
This adds to the feeling of a cold, barren, hostile place. The heavy sounding words add to the already repressive atmosphere. The style of writing is heavily descriptive and largely formal with the use of ceremonial or legal language. For example, the juxtaposition of the susceptible figure of Pip with this formal language:.
"wife of the above" in contrast with "bundle of shivers".
This adds to the insignificance of Pip in the presence of this immutable landscape.
