Quote by Thomas Hardy: “The letter 's' is the serpent in the alphabet.”

This metaphorical statement implies that the letter 's' often brings trouble or misfortune, referencing the biblical serpent's role in temptation and downfall. It's a whimsical, yet dark, observation on the subtle origins of discord.

In "Far from the Madding Crowd," characters often face complications arising from seemingly small details or choices, which eventually lead to larger problems, echoing this subtle sense of impending doom.

English novelist and poet whose work portrayed the harsh realities of rural Victorian life with unflinching honesty. His major novels include Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Far from the Madding Crowd, and his poetry is noted for its bleak tenderness.