The Moral Fall

I recently read two books that really resounded with me for the quality of the writing, the plot development, the descriptors associated with the naturalist movement and, more importantly, for the chronicling of the 'moral fall' of two main characters.

In "The Mayor of Casterbridge," by Thomas Hardy (1840-1928), the main character, Michael Henchard, auctions off his wife at the beginning of the novel and eventually goes on to a successful career as mayor. However, when the wife reappears in his life, his life begins a precipitous spiral downward that will make the reader catch his/her breath. Thomas Hardy is an excellent representative of the Naturalist Movement at the turn of the 19th century that highlighted the day-to-day life of everyday people.

Theodore Dreiser (1871-1945) is another author well known for his naturalist style and his book "Sister Carrie" is excellent. While Caroline Meeber (Sister Carrie) is the main protagonist in this classic novel her ambitions, desires and ultimately the decisions she makes affects two other men--Charles Drouet and G.W. Hurstwood. In fact, one of the characters makes a fateful decision that ultimately leads to his undoing. Like Hardy's Henchard, he experiences a similar fall from grace for a poor ethical decision he made.

To learn more read these two great books! You will not be disappointed.