Symbolism is used throughout the entire novel Return of the Native to create a sense of conflict and suspense. Hardy uses several symbols depicting different characters and how the feel. He also uses places as symbols and how they relate to characters in the novel. Hardy uses several symbols depicting Paris, Egdon Heath, and the bonfires. The two characters which are affected the most by symbolism are Eustacia and Clym Yeobright. These two characters seem to be most effected by the symbolism associated with the city of Paris.
The most evident and meaningful symbol to the story would be the use of Paris as a symbol to represent change, hope, excitement, dreams and a way out of the dull life on the Heath. Paris consumes Eustacia's thoughts and actions because she really wants to leave the Heath and go to Paris where she believes her life would be so much more enjoyable. However, Paris has the completely opposite effect on Clym. Clym knows how life is in Paris and recognizes how hectic and urban his life has become in Paris. He begins to hate his job there in Paris and decides to return to the Heath in search of something he believes more meaningful and wishes to settle down in a more rural environment. So in this case the symbol of Paris has two completely opposite meanings for two different characters. In Clyms life Paris represents a sense of shame and a place of bad memories.
Mrs. Yeobright, Clym's mother, wants Clym to return to Paris because she believes he will be happier there and has a chance to make money. In reality all Clym wants to do is stay in the Heath and work at the schoolhouse. When Mrs. Yeobright learns of his plans she becomes angry. Along with the Paris situation many other things go wrong between Clym and his mother. So when all is said and done Paris could indirectly be blamed for their separation and lack of harmony. So Paris comes to represent yet another thing, separation.