Characters’ possible worlds in Hardy’s far from the madding crowd : a cognitivestylistic study

Abstract EN

The purpose of the present research has been to demonstrate the validity of applying Ryan’s (1991) possible worlds model to Hardy’s “Far from the Madding Crowd”.

It has been obvious that the model is applicable in terms of distinguishing the Actual World of the narrative from the various possible worlds that the characters indulge in pushing the plot ahead.

The research records a great change depicted in the heroine character in the light of PWT suggesting that her union with Gabriel Oak at the last chapter becomes convenient and desirable