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Hardy's 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles.' (Thomas Hardy)

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From: The Explicator
Date: 19940922
Author:Craik, Roger

Joan Durbeyfield's role as mother to Tess in 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles' is discussed in relation to the trope used by a village elder in Rolliver's Inn. Thomas Hardy, although not quite sure himself of the true usage of the phrase, uses the same to direct the reader's attention to Joan as an irresponsible mother. The reader's perception of Joan now judgmental, the silence with which she greets her daughter's reproach at not being taught about sex turns into Joan's realization of her own irresponsibility.

When Joan Durbeyfield arrives at Rolliver's Inn to join her husband, she declares to ...

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