TL;DR
A poignant tragedy, Tess of the D'Urbervilles narrates the story of Tess, a village girl whose life is marred by seduction, societal scorn, and doomed love.
What is Tess of the D'Urbervilles about
Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy is set in rural England and tells the tragic story of Tess Durbeyfield. Tess, an innocent village girl, is seduced by the wealthy Alec D'Urberville. When she returns home pregnant, she faces disgrace and isolation. After her baby's death, Tess moves to a different valley where she falls in love with Angel Clare. Despite their mutual love, Tess's past haunts them, leading to her ultimate downfall. Hardy's novel critiques the moral and social injustices faced by women in Victorian England.
Tess of the D'Urbervilles 6 Key Takeaways
Tess's Seduction by Alec D'Urberville
Tess Durbeyfield, a young village girl, is seduced by the wealthy Alec D'Urberville. This event sets off a chain of tragic occurrences that shape her future.
Return Home and Disgrace
Tess returns home pregnant and is ostracized by her community. She faces immense societal scorn and isolation, which reflects the harsh moral judgments of the time.
Tess Meets Angel Clare
Tess relocates to a different valley and meets Angel Clare, a man who becomes the love of her life. Despite their deep affection, Tess's troubled past becomes an obstacle.
Angel's Abandonment
Upon discovering Tess's past, Angel Clare abandons her, unable to reconcile his love for her with society's moral standards.
Tess's Final Desperation
In a state of desperation, Tess accepts help from Alec but later murders him out of her unwavering love for Angel. She runs away with Angel, but they are soon caught by the police.
Tess's Execution
Tess is apprehended at Stonehenge and subsequently hanged for her crime. This conclusion underscores the relentless nature of her tragic fate.
Top Tess of the D'Urbervilles Quotes
- 'The beauty or ugliness of a character lay not only in its achievements, but in its aims and impulses; its true history lay not among things done, but among things willed.'
- 'Tess was now carried along upon the wings of the hours, without the sense of a will.'
Who should read Tess of the D'Urbervilles?
This book is ideal for readers who appreciate classic literature and are interested in exploring themes of societal norms, morality, and women's struggles in Victorian England. It offers deep insights into human emotions and societal flaws, making it a must-read for literary enthusiasts.
Tess of the D'Urbervilles Best Reviews
- 'A deeply moving tale, Tess of the D'Urbervilles is an unforgiving criticism of societal norms and a tragic exploration of a woman’s plight in Victorian England.' - The Guardian
- 'Hardy's powerful narrative and vivid characterizations make Tess of the D'Urbervilles a timeless piece of literature.' - The New York Times
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Tess of the D'Urbervilles FAQs
What is the main message of Tess of the D'Urbervilles?
The novel emphasizes empathy for women facing societal hypocrisy and moral double standards in Victorian England, highlighting Tess as a victim of her time.
What happens to Tess in Tess of the D'Urbervilles?
Tess endures poverty and societal scorn, eventually accepting help from Alec. After murdering Alec out of love for Angel, she is captured at Stonehenge and hanged.
Is Tess of the D'Urbervilles easy to read?
The novel requires careful reading and thoughtful engagement due to its length and complex themes, but it offers a richly absorbing and beautifully crafted literary experience.