What opinion does Thomas Hardy appear to hold in regard to marriage laws?

Thomas Hardy often critiques the institution of marriage and the laws surrounding it in his works. He highlights the constraints and injustices these laws impose on individuals, particularly women, suggesting that they can lead to unhappiness and entrapment. Through his characters and narratives, Hardy advocates for a more compassionate and realistic understanding of relationships, reflecting his belief that marriage should be based on genuine affection rather than social obligation. Overall, he seems to argue for a reevaluation of marriage laws to promote personal freedom and emotional fulfillment.