Two on a Tower

by Thomas Hardy Narrated by Steven Green

Overview

Two on a Tower (1882) is a tale of star-crossed lovers by Thomas Hardy. The unhappily married Lady Constantine breaks all the rules of social decorum when she falls in love with Swithin St. Cleeve, an astronomer who is eight years her junior. Her husband's death leaves the lovers free to marry, but the discovery of a legacy forces them apart. This is Hardy's most complete treatment of the theme of love across the class and age divide and the fullest expression of his fascination with science and astronomy. Wimborne was the location of the village of "Warborne", and Charborough House was the location of the "Welland House" in Two on a Tower. Hardy's intention, in his own words, was to "set the emotional history of two infinitesimal lives against the stupendous background of the stellar universe".

Editorial Reviews

APRIL 2020 - AudioFile

Swithin St. Cleeve and Lady Constantine have a challenging relationship. Because of social pressure, neither party is free to commit to the other. Leighton Pugh’s focused narration keeps the listener’s attention fixed on the events of the story. He captures the somber tones of Hardy’s prose without becoming monotonous. Through his vocal characterizations, Pugh aptly builds the characters’ personalities. Young Swithin, an aspiring astronomer, is passionate and earnest; his slight rural accent immediately contrasts his social standing with Lady Constantine’s. Pugh renders Lady Constantine’s ambivalence by making her sound nervous at times and forceful at others. His attention to dialogue adds insight into the characters’ motivations. D.M.W. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

APRIL 2020 - AudioFile

Swithin St. Cleeve and Lady Constantine have a challenging relationship. Because of social pressure, neither party is free to commit to the other. Leighton Pugh’s focused narration keeps the listener’s attention fixed on the events of the story. He captures the somber tones of Hardy’s prose without becoming monotonous. Through his vocal characterizations, Pugh aptly builds the characters’ personalities. Young Swithin, an aspiring astronomer, is passionate and earnest; his slight rural accent immediately contrasts his social standing with Lady Constantine’s. Pugh renders Lady Constantine’s ambivalence by making her sound nervous at times and forceful at others. His attention to dialogue adds insight into the characters’ motivations. D.M.W. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169888997
Publisher:	Audioliterature
Publication date:	02/28/2019
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

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