Like some of Hardy's other famous and popular novels such as Tess of the d'Urbervilles and The Mayor of Casterbridge such often implore and deal with deep concepts such as disappointment in love and the "perversity of life", but The Trumpet-Major also deal with these very themes present in many novels and poems which are often laid with a carefully controlled elegiac feeling and much irony in them that make them stand out among the Victorian classical works of literature. Thomas Hardy's novel provided the source of Alun Hoddinott's opera The Trumpet Major, with libretto by Myfanwy Piper, first performed in Manchester on 1 April 1981.

Anne goes to Portland Head to watch the Victory sail past. In Budmouth she sits crying, and is comforted by the King, who is passing by. The Loveday family endure a long wait for news of the Victory, eventually hearing of the Battle of Trafalgar, but not whether Bob has survived. Finally a sailor comes to tell them that Bob is unharmed – but also that he's engaged to a baker's daughter in Portsmouth. One of the central themes in the novel is the limited agency afforded to women during this time period. Through the character of Anne Garland, Hardy portrays the struggles faced by women who were expected to conform to societal expectations of femininity. Anne, a young and spirited woman, finds herself torn between her desire for independence and the pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. As the daughter of a miller, she is expected to marry and settle down, but her aspirations for a more fulfilling life clash with these expectations.

XII.  HOW EVERYBODY GREAT AND SMALL CLIMBED TO THE TOPOF THE DOWNS

One of the most intriguing characters in Thomas Hardy’s The Trumpet-Major is Anne Garland. Anne is a young woman who is torn between two men: John Loveday, the trumpet-major, and Bob Loveday, his brother. Anne is a complex character who is both strong-willed and vulnerable. She is fiercely independent and refuses to be controlled by anyone, yet she is also deeply in love with John and struggles with her feelings for him throughout the novel. Furthermore, Hardy challenges traditional gender roles by presenting strong and independent female characters. Through the character of Mrs. Loveday, John’s mother, Hardy portrays a woman who defies societal norms by taking charge of her family’s affairs in the absence of her husband. Mrs. Loveday’s resilience and determination serve as a stark contrast to the submissive and passive female characters often depicted in literature of the time.

The Trumpet-Major” is a captivating exploration of love and romance, showcasing Hardy’s mastery of storytelling and his deep understanding of the human heart. Through his richly drawn characters and intricate plot, he invites the reader to reflect on the complexities of love and the power it holds over our lives. Whether it be the bittersweet longing of unrequited love or the passionate intensity of forbidden desire, Hardy’s novel leaves an indelible mark on the reader’s heart, reminding us of the enduring power of love in all its forms. Religion and Spirituality Overall, The Trumpet-Major is a rich and complex novel that provides a fascinating glimpse into the historical and social context of early 19th century England. Hardy’s vivid descriptions and nuanced characters make this a must-read for anyone interested in the history and literature of this time period. Character Analysis Festus and Matilda are married, Anne and Bob are to be engaged, and John's regiment is posted away to battle in Spain, where, we are told, he will die. The bulk of his work, set mainly in the semi-fictional land of Wessex, delineates characters struggling against their passions and circumstances. Hardy's poetry, first published in his 50s, has come to be as well regarded as his novels, especially after The Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.Thomas Hardy, OM, was an English author of the naturalist movement, although in several poems he displays elements of the previous romantic and enlightenment periods of literature, such as his fascination with the supernatural. He regarded himself primarily as a poet and composed novels mainly for financial gain. Hardy also examines the impact of gender roles on romantic relationships. The love triangle between Anne, John Loveday, and Festus Derriman highlights the complexities of courtship and marriage during this era. John, a trumpet-major in the military, represents the idealized masculine figure, while Festus embodies the more traditional, conservative values of the time. Anne’s struggle to choose between these two suitors reflects the tension between societal expectations and personal desires.

It chanced that the writer was familiar with a part of England that lay within hail of the watering-place in which King George the Third had his favourite summer residence during the war with the first Napolon Secondly, this district, being also near the coast which had echoed with rumours of invasion in their intensest form while the descent threatened, was formerly animated by memories and traditions of the desperate military preparations for that contingency. Thirdly, the same countryside happened to include the village which was the birthplace of Nelsons flag-captain at Trafalgar.Furthermore, in comparison to his other works, “The Trumpet-Major” exhibits a lighter and more humorous tone. The novel’s witty dialogue and comedic situations provide a refreshing change from the often somber and tragic narratives found in Hardy’s other novels. This shift in tone allows readers to experience a different side of Hardy’s storytelling, showcasing his ability to adapt his style to suit the demands of the narrative. If these comic characters and interludes appear exaggerated, within the grand scheme of the novel as a whole, they are perfectly acceptable. Indeed, Hardy has given a convincing explanation of the art of fiction: ‘The whole secret of fiction and the drama – in the constructional part – lies in the adjustment of things unusual to things eternal and universal. The writer who knows exactly how exceptional, and how non-exceptional, his events should be made, possesses the key to the art’.viii Elsewhere Hardy adds, ‘Though a good deal is too strange to be believed, nothing is too strange to have happened’.ix Our heroine, Anne Garland, lives quietly in a rural community deep in the English countryside. However, the arrival of several regiments preparing for an expected invasion brings colour and chaos to the county. A graceful and charming young woman, Anne is pursued by three suitors: John Loveday, the trumpet-major in a British regiment, honest and loyal; his brother Robert, a merchant seaman and womaniser, and Festus Derriman, the cowardly son of the local squire. Set at the time of the Napoleonic wars, this is the author's only historical novel, and unusually for Hardy's books, some of the characters live happily ever after. (Summary adapted from Wikipedia by Cori Samuel.).

Matilda Johnson – Soubrette: Soubrette was a minor character in Commedia dell'arte, who sometimes married Harlequin, sometimes Pantaloon. Like Matilda, she is characterised by her loose morals, love of life and enjoyment of intrigue.Anne’s relationship with John is also a significant factor in her character development. John is a kind and honorable man who is deeply devoted to Anne. However, he is also a soldier and is often away from home, which causes Anne a great deal of anxiety and uncertainty. Despite her love for John, Anne is hesitant to commit to him fully, as she fears the pain of losing him if he is killed in battle. Through the characters’ interactions and experiences, Hardy explores the consequences of social class on personal relationships. Anne’s love for John is constantly challenged by her family’s disapproval, who view him as beneath their social standing. The novel delves into the complexities of love and the sacrifices one must make when societal expectations clash with personal desires.