John Loveday, der Stabstrompeter

The characters' sense of honor and patriotism seems to drive much of their decisions. Did anyone else feel that Hardy was commenting on the tension between personal happiness and duty?

The setting and occupation feel so specific — I wonder what drew Hardy to this particular military role and how it reflects the larger themes of the novel.

The love stories are so layered with societal expectations and personal sacrifice. It made me think about how duty can complicate personal happiness.