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The story of The Return of the Native opens with a crisis in the life of Thomasin Yeobright, (Tamsie) after the famous description of Egdon Heath. Wildeve takes her to Anglebury to marry her. But the marriage did not take place as Wildeve's marriage license was valid only in Budmouth. Thomasin, not able to comprehend the situation, becomes suspicious and feels so overwhelmed by her disappointment and the lear of disgrace that she left Wildeve abruptly and sought the help of the Reddleman, Diggory Venn. It is a big blow for her a simple, trustful woman who had full faith in Wildeve. Thomasin, in the very onset of the novel, is in a pathetic condition.
Even though she is firm in her decision to marry Wildeve, she is more or less a passive kind of character. She initially refuses to accept the reddleman's love which is true and sincere and opted to take the hands of Wildeve who is wavering between two ladies—Thomasin and Eustacia In contrast with Eustacia. Wildeve correctly assessed her as "a confoundedly good little woman". In reality, he loves her. But Eustacia has something more to offer. Her charm is superior than that of Thomasin. Thomasin is certainly a homely girl cut out to make an excellent 'home-spun' which Eustacia can never be. The rustics considered Thomasin a very good girl and Eustacia as a mysterious person.
Her Marriage with Venn
Thomasin, at last, finds the real lover of her in Venn. He has been loving her. His Jove is sincere, though it was unreciprocated. Venn, now gets transformed into a dairy-farmer and Thomasin finally recognizes Diggory's qualities. The novel ends with a cheerful note with the marriage of Thomasin and Diggory.
Clym's Affection towards Her
Clym has deep affection for his cousin, Thomasin, as his mother has. When she comes to know that Wildeve is planning to leave her, she quickly seeks the help of Clym. Both as a niece and a cousin, she shows her sincerity and her genuine affection, and wins our sympathy. Thomasin survives the tragic circumstances by marrying Diggory Venn. She is symbolic of the reestablishment of a natural order and also serves to give Hardy a happy ending for his story which his editors and public demanded by adding 'Aftercourses'.