2026 Reading Challenge
Under the Greenwood Tree

Questions About Under the Greenwood Tree

by Thomas Hardy

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Answered Questions (3)

Compared to other Thomas Hardy titles, how do you find this one?
Mary Durrant I loved this one even more than when I read it first.
A good one to start with if you are new to Hardy's novels!…moreI loved this one even more than when I read it first.
A good one to start with if you are new to Hardy's novels!(less)
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In chapter 2, what is meant by the word "borrusnorus," used by a choir/orchestra member to describe the new parson's "ways" in the context of replacing their instruments with an organ? I think it probably means new and progressive, but the word is not in my dictionary, probably for being a now-totally-obscure regional colloquialism.
Jeni The footnote in my Oxford World Classics edition says: "A variant of 'boris-noris,' which Barnes explains as 'Going on blindly, without any thought of…moreThe footnote in my Oxford World Classics edition says: "A variant of 'boris-noris,' which Barnes explains as 'Going on blindly, without any thought of risk or decency,' i.e., willy-nilly, regardless of opposition."(less)
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why fancy was not sure when vicar ask her to become a wife of her..???
Wynne She tells him that she was flattered and could not help thinking of what her life would be on a different social level than the one offered by Dick. B…moreShe tells him that she was flattered and could not help thinking of what her life would be on a different social level than the one offered by Dick. But she does love Dick and makes a choice. Class differences are very important at this point. Remember her father's explanation to Dick about who Fancy's mother was.
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Unanswered Questions (2)

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