Tess of the d'Urbervilles

(1891)

This novel is generally regarded as Hardy's finest. 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.

~

I am so happy that in my teenage years I found this marvellous book in a second hand book shop. Till then I was not aware of Sir Thomas Hardy. I started reading and found that it was hard to put down. Being a strong adorer of mother Nature, I was thrilled by the author's minute descriptions of nature in old England. I was dumbfounded by his observations and narration. Coming to the story, I became an immediate fan of the Tess, the heroine. In other words I can say that her character has changed me and my personality. Her simplicity, innocence, perseverance, dedication and most importantly her love made me to be always like her in my daily life. Instantly Hardy became my favourite author and I never stopped reading almost all of his novels. Every person who likes romantic novels must read this novel first. I will never forget Tess in my life.--Submitted by Velijala Phanindra Charya, India

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Recent Forum Posts on Tess of the d'Urbervilles

End of phase 1

Well, I reached the end of phase 1, which was further than I could bear to watch on the DVD. Since the next phase is called 'Maiden no more', I assume Alec d'Urberville exercised his droit de seigneur over her. I don't think you have to be clairvoyant to see that coming. The only surprise is that I thought she would weaken and regret it afterwards (I assume Hardy does not go into graphic details in the next chapter). Awww, poor Tess. Her parents are loving, but if only they had been harder working and more sensible. Tess was the most responsible one in her family. I hope things turn up for her after this.

Posted By kev67 at Wed 16 May 2012, 5:32 PM in Tess of the d'Urbervilles || 0 Replies

vocab

I have just started reading this. It has a good opening chapter at least. I am already struggling a bit with some of the vocabulary, despite the explanatory notes. Let me see: haggler - itinerant dealer of goods lamb's fry - cooked lamb's offal, especially testicles black-pot - some sort of peasant dish? chitterlings - cooked pig intestines ostler - stableman at an inn market-nitch - as much alcohol as you can drink after market uncabined - unconfined Nice to have a dialect guide in a book, although "voicing approximately rendered by the syllable UR" is not all that helpful.

Posted By kev67 at Sat 12 May 2012, 4:49 PM in Tess of the d'Urbervilles || 7 Replies

Thoughts on Trishna

Michael Winterbottom recently updated the story to modern-day India: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1836987/ What were your thoughts on the film? For those who haven't watched it, the most striking difference is that the characters of Alec and Angel are merged into one.

Posted By kelby_lake at Mon 30 Apr 2012, 5:34 PM in Tess of the d'Urbervilles || 0 Replies

Hardy's Tess

Hey guys, I just started Hardy's Tess of the D'Urbervilles. I've read the first few chapters and found curiosity developing inside me. So I wanted to know your views about the book. BTW how do you pronounce the word D'Urbervilles. Thanking you in advance.

Posted By phoenixtears at Sat 21 Jan 2012, 11:52 PM in Tess of the d'Urbervilles || 1 Reply

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

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Tess of the d'Urbervilles

(1891)

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