On the surface, Tessa, the protagonist of Anna Todd's newly published After series, and Hardin, Tessa's love interest, have nothing in common. He's a rebel with an English accent, tattoos, and facial piercings. She's never left Washington and dresses like a Stepford wife. (He's also based on One Direction's Harry Styles, but try not to think about that too much.)
What do the characters have in common, then? Mostly, a desire to have sex with each other — but, also, a shared love of literature! Here, the eight classic books they bond over, quote, and seemingly try to recreate throughout the series (spoilers ahead):
1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
When it first appears in the series: In book one, Tessa reveals that Pride and Prejudice is one of her "absolute favorites," and Hardin mocks Tessa's love for Darcy: "If Elizabeth had any sense she would have told him to f*ck off."
What it reveals about Hessa (Tessa/Hardin): That they are basically Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Tessa says Darcy had been so cruel and hateful that she "didn't know if [Elizabeth] could forgive him, let alone love him." Meanwhile, Hardin counters, "Women want what they can't have. Mr. Darcy's rude attitude is what drew Elizabeth to him … If he loved her he wouldn't have been mean to her."
Bonus: Hardin outs himself as a lover of the 2005 Pride and Prejudice film when, in book two, he gets a tattoo of a line found exclusively in the movie: "I never wish to be parted from you this day on." Hardin, you sentimental sap.
2. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
When it first appears in the series: Unable to handle Hardin's big betrayal in book one, Tessa leaves him in book two, comparing her departure to Catherine Morland's.
What it reveals about Hessa: Tessa feels as abandoned and cast out as Catherine had been, even though Tessa is the one who chooses to leave. In the early days of their relationship, Tessa is split between seeing Hardin as a Henry ("smart and witty with a knowledge of novels as great as mine") or a John ("arrogant and rude").
3. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
When it first appears in the series: Hardin mentions Rochester and Jane in an attempt to dissuade Tessa from marriage in book one.
What it reveals about Hessa: Hardin readily admits that Jane and Rochester's relationship isn't the best counterexample of marriage, but "I just love hearing you ramble about literary heroes." He also loves reminding her of tortured protagonists. Wonder why.
4. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
When it first appears in the series: Tessa wanders into Hardin's room during a party at the frat house in book one and discovers his extensive collection of classics. "I grab Wuthering Heights and pull it off the shelf," she says. "It is in bad shape, the pages showing how many times it has been read."
What it reveals about Hessa: Hardin uses Wuthering Heights as a means to discuss his and Tessa's relationship in literature class: "Catherine and Heathcliff were just so similar that it was hard for them to get along, but if Catherine wasn't so stubborn they could have lived a long and happy life together." The specter of Heathcliff hangs around Hessa throughout the story. And yet, they remain inexplicably drawn to each other, making Heathcliff-esque Hardin determined to make sure they end up together at the end.
Bonus: Tessa says, "Catherine Earnshaw and Elizabeth Bennet are much better company than my mother." #Burn.
5. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
When it first appears in the series: In book one, as Tessa tries to determine Hardin's trustworthiness, she compares herself to the dastardly Miss Havashim, saying, "I can see how love can make you do things that you normally wouldn't, become obsessive and even a little crazy."
What it reveals about Hessa: Trust issues. Love ya, but keep those hands where I can see 'em.
6. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
When it first appears in the series: Hardin reveals to Tessa in book two that he would think of her all the time, even while reading the tumultuous and tragic love affair between Anna and Count Vronsky. He marks the line, "He stepped down, trying not to look long at her, as if she were the sun, yet he saw her, like the sun, even without looking."
What it reveals about Hessa: Hardin is obsessed. And Tessa likes it.
Bonus: Tessa returns the favor of the personalized Tolstoy by gifting Hardin an annotated copy of Pride and Prejudice (which he likes too, duh).
7. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
When it first appears in the series: Hardin's father Ken recalls in book one how Hardin used to quote Gatsby at age 10, saying, "I knew you were a literature whiz then."
What it reveals about Hessa: After Tessa and Hardin have a falling out in London, Hardin compares himself to Tom (although Hardin's obsessive love puts him squarely in the Gatsby category, IMHO), and, of course, Tessa to Daisy. Hardin concludes that he must leave Tessa to save her because "if Tom would have left Daisy at the first moment of her uncertainty, she could have had a life with the man she was destined to be with, a man that would have treated her the way she deserved to be treated."
8. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
When it first appears in the series: The cycle of making up and breaking up continues into book three, when Tessa leaves Hardin so she can find herself (you go, girl). Hardin shoots back a quote from The Sun Also Rises: "You can't get away from yourself by moving from one place to another."
What it reveals about Hessa: Hardin echoes Jake Barnes, aware that fulfillment cannot be achieved by geographical relocation. Also, he shows yet again his dependence on Tess. That said, Hardin knows he doesn't need Tessa to be with him. He doesn't stop Tessa and braces himself for her departure.
9. A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
When it first appears in the series: Tessa reads a manuscript in book two, which triggers thoughts of her and Hardin's long-term incompatibility. Seeing how upset Tessa is from the manuscript (and not realizing he is the true cause of her distress), Hardin says he'd hate to have been there the first time Tessa read A Farewell to Arms.
What it reveals about Hessa: Hardin says he'd hate to have been there, but he'd probably love it, because he loves seeing Tessa react to (fictional) emotional trauma. (Think about how they watch The Vow — twice — just so Hardin can watch Tessa cry over Paige and Leo Collins.) Just a guess, but it probably has to do with Hardin's extreme emotional repression.
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As an avid literature enthusiast and expert in literary analysis, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table when it comes to dissecting the intricate connections between characters and their literary references. My extensive experience in the field allows me to delve deep into the nuances of how characters' behaviors and relationships are influenced by the classic works they encounter.
Now, let's unravel the layers of literary significance embedded in the article discussing Tessa and Hardin's shared love for literature in Anna Todd's After series:
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Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen:
- Tessa's admiration for Pride and Prejudice reveals her inclination towards classic romance.
- Hardin's mockery of Darcy reflects his skeptical views on love and relationships.
- Hardin's tattoo of a line from the 2005 film adaptation underscores his sentimental side.
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Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen:
- Tessa's comparison of her departure to Catherine Morland's betrayal adds depth to her emotional turmoil.
- Tessa's internal struggle between viewing Hardin as a Henry or a John mirrors the complexity of her relationship.
-
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë:
- Hardin's reference to Rochester and Jane serves as a cautionary tale against marriage.
- Hardin's enjoyment of Tessa's ramblings about literary heroes highlights his appreciation for her intellect.
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Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë:
- Tessa discovering Wuthering Heights in Hardin's room symbolizes the worn, yet enduring, nature of their relationship.
- The comparison to Heathcliff and Catherine reflects the turbulent nature of Tessa and Hardin's connection.
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Great Expectations by Charles Dickens:
- Tessa's comparison to Miss Havisham underscores her concerns about the impact of love on one's behavior.
- The theme of trust issues emerges as Tessa evaluates the consequences of obsessive love.
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Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy:
- Hardin's obsession with Tessa is emphasized through his continuous thoughts while reading Anna and Vronsky's love affair.
- Tessa reciprocates by gifting Hardin an annotated copy of Pride and Prejudice, reinforcing their shared literary connection.
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The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald:
- Hardin's early quoting of Gatsby showcases his literary prowess.
- The comparison of Hardin to Gatsby and Tessa to Daisy highlights the complexities of their relationship.
-
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway:
- Hardin's use of a quote from The Sun Also Rises reflects his awareness of the futility of geographical escape.
- The cycle of making up and breaking up is explored through Tessa's pursuit of self-discovery and Hardin's dependence on her.
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A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway:
- Tessa's reaction to the manuscript and Hardin's enjoyment of her emotional distress delve into their dynamics.
- The repeated instances of watching The Vow suggest Hardin's fascination with Tessa's emotional responses.
In conclusion, the After series intricately weaves classic literature into the narrative, using these timeless works to illuminate the complexities of Tessa and Hardin's relationship. Their shared love for literature becomes a lens through which their own story is explored and understood.
