--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: West Country novelist Thomas Hardy almost…" description: "\"“West Country novelist Thomas Hardy almost did not survive his birth in 1840 because everyone thought he was stillborn. He did not appear to be breathi..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/008/phil-mason-80842_english-literature_west-country-novelist-thomas-hardy-almos_539702.jpg" --- # West Country novelist Thomas Hardy almost did not survive… ![“West Country novelist Thomas Hardy almost did not survive his birth in 1840 because everyone thought he was stillborn. He did not appear to be breathing and was put to one side for dead. The nurse attending the birth only by chance noticed a slight movement that showed the baby was in fact alive…” quote by Phil Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/008/phil-mason-80842_english-literature_west-country-novelist-thomas-hardy-almos_539702.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/008/phil-mason-80842_english-literature_west-country-novelist-thomas-hardy-almos_539702.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/008/phil-mason-80842_english-literature_west-country-novelist-thomas-hardy-almos_539702.jpg) > ““West Country novelist Thomas Hardy almost did not survive his birth in 1840 because everyone thought he was stillborn. He did not appear to be breathing and was put to one side for dead. The nurse attending the birth only by chance noticed a slight movement that showed the baby was in fact alive. He lived to be 87 and gave the world 18 novels, including some of the most widely read in English literature. When he did die, there was controversy over where he should be laid to rest. Public opinion felt him too famous to lie anywhere other than in Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey, the national shrine. He, however, had left clear instructions to be buried in Stinsford, near his birthplace and next to his parents, grandparents, first wife and sister. A compromise was brokered. His ashes were interred in the Abbey. His heart would be buried in his beloved home county. The plan agreed, his heart was taken to his sister’s house ready for burial. Shortly before, as it lay ready on the kitchen table, the family cat grabbed it and disappeared with it into the woods. Although, simultaneously with the national funeral in Westminster Abbey, a burial ceremony took place on 16 January 1928, at Stinsford, there is uncertainty to this day as to what was in the casket: some say it was buried empty; others that it contained the captured cat which had consumed the heart.”” Phil Mason ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A near‑death at birth, a long literary life, and a posthumous dispute over burial reflect the tension between public fame and personal wishes. **In simple terms:** Hardy survived a near‑death, became famous, and his burial was contested. Key Takeaway Respect personal wishes over public pressure. Themes legacy death celebration family public opinion Mood reflective somber thoughtful Type historical biographical ethical When to use this quote - literary festivals - heritage tours - family memorials - public debates on monuments - ethical discussions on posthumous wishes Key Concepts mortality celebrity burial rites family legacy Questions to Reflect On - Whose right should decide a burial: the individual or society? - How do we honor personal wishes when they conflict with public sentiment? A Different Perspective Public desire for symbolic burial can clash with individual autonomy. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [English Lit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/english-lit/) [English literature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/english-literature/) [Laid To Rest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/laid-to-rest/) [Public opinion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/public-opinion/) [St thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/st-thomas/) [Westminster abbey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/westminster-abbey/) ## Related quotes > [My father's ashes are not yet interred.strangely, I find the fact that he isn't properly laid to rest helps me when I'm doingthis play.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lynn-redgrave/my-father-s-ashes-are-not-yet-interred-strangely-i-find-the-fact-that/) [Lynn Redgrave](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lynn-redgrave/) > [Here lies interred in the eternity of the past, from whence there is no resurrection for the days - whatever there may be for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-byron/here-lies-interred-in-the-eternity-of-the-past-from-whence-there-is/) [Lord Byron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-byron/) > [“I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. 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He, however, had left clear instructions to be buried in Stinsford, near his birthplace and next to his parents, grandparents, first wife and sister. A compromise was brokered. His ashes were interred in the Abbey. His heart would be buried in his beloved home county. The plan agreed, his heart was taken to his sister’s house ready for burial. Shortly before, as it lay ready on the kitchen table, the family cat grabbed it and disappeared with it into the woods. 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