In the preface to the novel, Hardy describes what the location means to him: "It is pleasant to dream that some spot in the extensive tract whose south-western quarter is here described may be the heath of that traditionary King of Wessex – Lear."
In the preface to the novel, Hardy explains what the location signifies to him: "It is delightful to envision a region within the vast area that includes here the heath of the legendary King of Wessex – Lear."