Rational Choice Theory: An Economic Analysis of Hardy's The Return of the Native

Abstract

Rational Choice Theory is a fundamental theory of economics deals with the behavior of an individual in which an actor chooses an action rationally in order to minimize costs and maximize benefits. Several studies have been accomplished on RTC in the frame of reference to the law,criminology, sociology, etc., but only in a small number of researches, RCT has been applied to literature. A realistic piece of literature demands a rational-choice explanation, but the novels of Hardy-'historian of Wessex' have not yet been studied from the perspective of an economic theory, RCT. The purpose of the present study is to widen the compass of RCT and to produce the plurality of meaning of Hardy's The Return of the Native. Employing the method of textual analysis, the present qualitative study explored:i. reflection of RCT in individual actors,' i.e., Eustacia and Wild eve's preference to their available choices; ii. Eustacia's economic and Clym's unprofitable interest in life from the perspective of RCT; iii. reflection of Offender’s Rational Choice Theory in the actions of Eustacia, Wild eve, and Dig gory from The Return.