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."
Hardy elucidates in the novel's preface how the setting resonates with him: "It brings pleasure to imagine that some part of this extensive territory, which contains here the heath of the famous King of Wessex – Lear – may be located."