Hey everyone, this is my first post on this site and I love reading everyone's personal interpretations / views on literary topics.
In any case, I recently read Tess of the D'Urbervilles, and thought it was interesting how Hardy deals with God's role in the unfolding of events. How do you perceive Hardy's message in the novel, regarding God's existence?
Personally, I view the scene with the painter (when he paints "thou shalt not commit adultery" on the fence) as a prime example of God's existence as very persistent and never leaving. Tess obviously tries to find refuge in places that do not know of her dark reputation (like going to Talbothays). No matter how she tries, God seems to stalk Tess like a hawk tracks a rabbit, and God constanty reminds her of the consequences that will come, no matter how futilely she tries to dodge her doom.
What do you all think? if you can think of some good examples, that'd be admirable.
-Will G
the jazz mann