Sotto gli alberi

The setting feels like a character itself, with the small village and its traditions playing a big role. I'm curious whether Hardy aimed to highlight the community as a whole or focus more on the romantic leads.

The lightheartedness really brought the countryside to life, but I wondered if Hardy intended to contrast this with the more serious themes later on. Did the tone shift feel deliberate or natural?

The historical backdrop adds so much charm, but I’m interested in what motivated Hardy to choose this period and setting. Was it based on personal experience or a desire to depict a certain way of life?