think I'll try to read something else by Hardy and compare. his analysis of the
process of peasants turning agricultural workers is quite striking but...but...but

Try The Mayor of Casterbridge. The mayor in question is a prizewinning jackass and the female characters pretty well take charge. It's the only thing I've read by him, but from what people in this forum have had to say, I may leave well enough alone.

And I figured out how to write in blue.