In A Few Crusted Characters, written by Thomas Hardy, the characters attempted to reach out for as much as they can, even if it was beyond their limitations. Despite characters being in a situation where things can be solved and worked out without the use of alcohol, they used a substance to improve the quality of the situation and change or hide how they truly felt about something or someone. They were willing to be under the influence at all costs, even at the risk of drawing misinterpreted conclusions . The atmosphere in the dance hall for the Hardcomes can be theorized as alcohol in this situation. The couples (James and Emily and Steve and Olive), who got caught up in the moment and decided to switch partners to be wed to, were completely consumed by the environment where the dancing was taking place and didn’t take the proper time to clear their heads and make a rational decision. The couples figured that upgrading and surpassing the current situation would be the most effective way to bring them happiness, when it turned out complicating everything for everyone involved. The characters in two of the stories ‘s alcohol usage complicated our ability, as the reader, to decipher what true feelings were being felt and what messages get sent out from someone who is intoxicated.
Stories 4 and 6 contained a character who over reacted due to encountering someone who was drunk at a time when the perceived connotation is that they shouldn’t be. “‘Well, I cannot marry you in this state; and I will not! Go home and get sober!’ And he slapped the book together like a rat-trap.” The Parson was clearly disappointing and furious about the fact that Andrey came to his wedding day drunk, but his reaction and agreement to lock them up in the church until Andrey sobered up was a hasty and unnecessary conclusion that was reached upon. His book closing like a “rat-trap” is strong visual imagery on how much he has been offended by Andrey’s actions. The Parson had every reason...