Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Return of the Native, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Humans vs. Nature
Modernity vs. Tradition
Class and Morality
Deception
Summary
Analysis
Still lost in the world, Clym decides he will become a preacher. Additionally, he considers asking Thomasin to marry him. However, when he goes to discuss marriage with Thomasin, Thomasin reveals that she is already considering marrying Venn. However, before she does so, she wants to ask Clym’s permission. More specifically, she wants to know if Mrs. Yeobright would’ve approved of her marrying Venn under such circumstances. At first, Clym is not sure if the marriage is a good idea, but he eventually changes says that it is appropriate under the circumstances. Thrilled, Thomasin agrees to marry Venn.
Clym considers marrying Thomasin out of obligation rather than love. However, he quickly perceives the error of his ways and, for the first time, the novel presents a happy union between two people who seem like they’ll stay together.
Themes
