The Return of the Native

The Return of the Native

by

Thomas Hardy

Johnny Nunsuch Character Analysis

Johnny is the son of Susan Nunsuch. He encounters Mrs. Yeobright on her way back from Clym’s house, making him the last person to see her alive. During this encounter, Mrs. Yeobright told Johnny that she was angry with Clym, believing that Clym knowingly refused to see her (though Mrs. Yeobright’s claim is untrue and the result of a misunderstanding). Clym is devastated when Johnny later informs him that Mrs. Yeobright died angry at him.
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Johnny Nunsuch Character Timeline in The Return of the Native

The timeline below shows where the character Johnny Nunsuch appears in The Return of the Native. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Book 1, Chapter 6
Class and Morality Theme Icon
...her destination to find the fire still burning. Near the fire is a child named Johnny who is upset that she has left him to tend the fire alone in the... (full context)
Deception  Theme Icon
...and asks why she is still out and about. Eustacia tells him it is because Johnny is enjoying the fire and doesn’t want it to stop. After Captain Vye leaves, Eustacia... (full context)
Deception  Theme Icon
After Johnny’s departure, Eustacia meets up with Wildeve nearby. Though Eustacia is glad to see Wildeve, she... (full context)
Book 1, Chapter 8
Humans vs. Nature Theme Icon
Johnny starts walking home but is scared of doing so in the dark. Instead, he turns... (full context)
Class and Morality Theme Icon
On his way home, Johnny comes across the Venn’s wagon. The wagon scares Johnny because the children on the heath... (full context)
Book 1, Chapter 9
Class and Morality Theme Icon
Deception  Theme Icon
...still protective of Thomasin, and he does what he can to help her. As such, Johnny’s information bothers him, and he makes it his duty to figure out what is going... (full context)
Book 4, Chapter 6
Humans vs. Nature Theme Icon
Class and Morality Theme Icon
...Clym are refusing to let her in. On her way home, Mrs. Yeobright walks alongside Johnny and tells him about everything that has transpired. Johnny brings Mrs. Yeobright some water, but... (full context)
Book 4, Chapter 8
Humans vs. Nature Theme Icon
Class and Morality Theme Icon
Deception  Theme Icon
...has just died. However, they remain out of sight to avoid arousing suspicion. Eustacia overhears Johnny tell Clym that his mother described herself as “a broken-hearted woman” who was “cast off... (full context)
Book 5, Chapter 2
Deception  Theme Icon
Realizing that something doesn’t add up, Clym decides to speak to Johnny again. Johnny is Susan Nunsuch’s son, and she assures Clym that Johnny is telling the... (full context)