Tess of the d'Urbervilles

(1891)

Tess of the d'Urbervilles is generally regarded as Hardy's finest novel. A brilliant tale of seduction, love, betrayal, and murder, Tess of the d'Ubervilles yields to narrative convention by punishing Tess's sin, but boldly exposes this standard denouement of unforgiving morality as cruelly unjust. Throughout, Hardy's most lyrical and atmospheric language frames his shattering narrative. The novel centers around a young woman who struggles to find her place in society. When it is discovered that the low-class Durbeyfield family is in reality the d'Urbervilles, the last of a famous bloodline that dates back hundreds of years, the mother sends her eldest daughter, Tess, to beg money from relations with the obvious desire that Tess wed the rich Mr. d'Urberville. Thus begins a tale of woe in which a wealthy man cruelly mistreats a poor girl. Tess is taken advantage of by Mr. d'Urberville and leaves his house, returning home to have their child, who subsequently dies. Throughout the rest of this fascinating novel, Tess is tormented by guilt at the thought of her impurity and vows to never marry. She is tested when she meets Angel, the clever son of a priest, and falls in love with him. After days of pleading, Tess gives in to Angel and consents to marry him. Angel deserts Tess when he finds the innocent country girl he fell in love with is not so pure.

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Recent Forum Posts on Tess of the d'Urbervilles

Unseen Moments

After Tess was captured at Stonehenge, wouldn't that mean Angel could be charged as an accessory? In fact, how would the trial carry out for Tess?

Posted By CarolC at Fri 23 Dec 2011, 5:11 PM in Tess of the d'Urbervilles || 0 Replies

Angel and Liza-Lu

I ran into a well-written fanfiction depicting a gloomy marriage between Angel and Liza-Lu and how Liza simply becomes an object to Angel's obligation to Tess. Was that a happy ending Hardy intended? Would Angel eventually grow to love Liza on his own? I would think Liza would be miserable to exist as an obligation to Angel. Also consider that Tvtropes says that it was illegal to marry your in-law during a time of religious conservatism. Though the issue seems HandWaved by Tess assuring Angel, "People marry sister-laws continually about Marlott" (chapter 58). What do you think?

Posted By CarolC at Wed 5 Oct 2011, 12:43 PM in Tess of the d'Urbervilles || 0 Replies

A Disturbing Question

Did Tess and Angel consummate their marriage during their hideout at the mansion? It appears the BBC series (and even the ending of the 1979 movie version) I watch often depict that (better censor them for PBS, 2008 version) Tess and Angel made love. I remember thinking WHAT? In no way would an author have that in an his book. No wonder that book was controversial for its time. I have only read tibits of the book and have a fair understanding of the entire plot about the dangers of double standards and society. Ummmm, when I checked the text of the mansion scene. It did appears ambiguous to me. This can be found on Ch. 58: "elegance of Tess's gown hanging across a chair, her silk stockings beside it, the pretty parasol, and the other habits in which she had arrived because she had none else, that her first indignation at the effrontery of tramps and vagabonds gave way to a momentary sentimentality over this genteel elopement, as it seemed." So, if her dress was on a chair, it might have implied Tess was not wearing anything.

Posted By CarolC at Sat 20 Aug 2011, 5:11 PM in Tess of the d'Urbervilles || 8 Replies

Alternate Ending

Hey all. I just finished reading Tess of the D'urberville an loved it; however not so much the ending though. Does anyone have an alternate ending to this novel or some kind of sequel. As for sequel, it goes into Angel and Liza lu marriage and how unhappy he his because he still loves Tess? I'm not really sure. Ot like Tess haunts them. I'm not sure. Please if you have an alternate ending or ideas for sequel can you please share. Thanks.

Posted By ysabella at Tue 30 Nov 2010, 4:29 PM in Tess of the d'Urbervilles || 8 Replies

Who you dislike more: Alec or Angel, and why?

I have to say Angel. He's a wimp.

Posted By victorianfan at Sat 22 May 2010, 8:53 AM in Tess of the d'Urbervilles || 6 Replies

How does Hardy build suspense in Chapter 56, Tess of the d'Urbervilles?

help!

Posted By amycs at Sun 11 Oct 2009, 7:17 AM in Tess of the d'Urbervilles || 0 Replies

How would you describe Tess' character?

Hi I've got to write an essay about what Tess was thinking as she was on her way to be executed and after discuss what her character was like and how she was as a person. I think she was a woman deprived of the ability to be truly happy and helplessly falling into traps of love and deception. I also wonder was she quite a determined woman as although she was stripped of her status she fought on yet unsuccesfully, eventually accepting her fate after she murdered Alec. Unfortuanately now I've got writer's block and I don't know what to put, can any peoples out there help me please? Thank-you

Posted By wishiwasausten at Tue 21 Apr 2009, 2:27 PM in Tess of the d'Urbervilles || 2 Replies

hardy's narrative technique

was just wondering if anyone could give an opinion on this question; "Hardy's narrative technique has often been described as cinematic. What evidence is there in Tess of the d'urbervilles to support or to challenge this analogy? Would just like to know how people interpret this question. thanks:idea:

Posted By noname86 at Wed 11 Mar 2009, 12:02 PM in Tess of the d'Urbervilles || 1 Reply

Alec Quotes

I need a quote that describes how Tess became depressed after being raped by Alec. A quote about (or why she named) her son Sorrow. A quote about Alec tricking Tess into believing Angel won't come back for her and that Alec will protect and love her and finally A quote about when Angel comes back for her that she realizes he has forgiven Tess. Can anyone help me please!?!?!?

Posted By FooJam8 at Sat 3 Jan 2009, 8:06 PM in Tess of the d'Urbervilles || 0 Replies