Description
“Tess of the d’Urbervilles” by Thomas Hardy is a tragic novel published in 1891 that tells the story of a young woman named Tess Durbeyfield and her struggles against the social conventions and moral expectations of Victorian society.
The novel begins with Tess’s impoverished family discovering that they are descendants of the once noble d’Urberville family. Encouraged by her parents, Tess is sent to seek assistance from their wealthy relations, the d’Urbervilles, in hopes of improving their fortunes. However, Tess’s encounter with Alec d’Urberville, a manipulative and predatory gentleman, sets off a chain of events that will shape her destiny.
Alec seduces Tess, leaving her pregnant and abandoned. Tess eventually gives birth to a child who dies in infancy. Despite her efforts to move on and find happiness, Tess’s past continues to haunt her, and she is unable to escape the consequences of Alec’s actions. Later in the story, Tess falls in love with Angel Clare, a kind and idealistic gentleman. However, when she confesses her past to him, Angel rejects her, unable to reconcile his love for Tess with his rigid moral beliefs.
“Tess of the d’Urbervilles” is a powerful exploration of themes such as fate, morality, and the oppression of women in Victorian society. Hardy’s portrayal of Tess as a tragic heroine, victimized by the constraints of her society and the actions of others, has made the novel a timeless classic of English literature. With its richly drawn characters, vivid descriptions of rural England, and profound moral questions, “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” continues to captivate readers and provoke discussion about the human condition.
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