ABSTRACT
Gertrude Bugler In 1920 the difficult task of adapting The Return of the Native was undertaken and this play, when produced, attracted the attention of the London newspapers, as those which preceded it had done. The critics were not always kind for there were those who thought Hardy’s work beyond the power of the most skilful dramatist, though those of us taking part in these plays knew how much pleasure they afforded their great author. There was one very bitter criticism, and, feeling terribly sorry for myself and full of quite unnecessary indignation on his behalf, I asked T.H. what he thought about it. To my surprise, he was very amused and told me never to allow myself to become annoyed, for when opinions which differed were expressed, it really became more interesting and public interest was kept longer alive.
