"The Return of the Native" by Thomas Hardy was first published in installments, from January to December 1878 in the magazine called Belgravia.It was the sixth novel written by Hardy. It is said to be a controversial novel because of the controversial themes it deals with.Having written the manuscript of the novel, Hardy found it difficult to get it published because the publishers rejected it. However, it was published and it received somewhat mixed reviews from the reviewers and critics. The number of positive views was more than negative ones.The novel did not gain much popularity at the time of its publication, but in the 20th century the popularity of "The Return of the Native" rapidly increased and it became one of the most popular novels written by Thomas Hardy.A Quick Guide to "The Return of the Native"CopyrightChapter One: IntroductionChapter Two: CharactersChapter Three: Plot SummaryChapter Four: Critical AnalysisChapter Five: Adaptations