Interpretation Of Eustacia In The Return Of The Native From The Perspective Of Lacanian Subject Theory

At the end of the 19~thh century,when various trends of thought were constantly emerging in the field of literature,Thomas Hardy(1840-1928)actively strove to innovate in the aspects of ideological contents,themes and techniques.For example,when depicting women’s images,Hardy tended to get rid of the routine of simply dividing them into angels and devils,and to show their rich self-consciousness and independent thoughts.Eustacia in The Return of the Native(1878)is a typical figure who is characterized by progressive ideas and self-consciousness.Therefore,Eustacia naturally becomes a popular research focus at home and abroad.Based on the previous researches on The Return of the Native,this thesis intends to interpret the mental and spiritual development of Eustacia from the perspective of Lacanian subject theory,and explore the causes of her tragedy.The process of Eustacia’s mental and spiritual development can be generally divided into three phases.In the Imaginary,because of the narcissistic complex,Eustacia misrecognizes herself and gradually develops to split and alienation in spirit.As a result,Eustacia further misrecognizes her lovers and life,which foreshadows her tragedy.In the Symbolic,the absence of parents causes Eustacia’s ignorant and dauntless attitudes toward the big Other:Egdon Heath and the Victorian society.The Other always dominates the subject in the Symbolic,therefore,Eustacia’s resistances to the Egdon Heath and the Victorian society inevitably turns out failure.In the Real,Eustacia suffers grave traumas which derive from her misrecognition in the Imaginary and her resistances to the Other in the Symbolic.She desires for Paris,a place which symbolizes freedom and independence but impossibility as well.Finally,the obsession leads her to death.By analyzing the process of Eustacia’s mental and spiritual development,this thesis draws the conclusion that Eustacia’s pursuit of freedom and independence runs counter to the mainstream thoughts of the Victorian society,which is the direct reason for her failure to construct the subjective identity.The image of Eustacia reflects Thomas Hardy’s affirmation of one’s pursuit of love and fighting spirit in adversity,as well as his criticism of the patriarchal society.