Tess of the d'Urbervilles

Definition

Tess of the d'Urbervilles is a novel by Thomas Hardy published in 1891, centering on the tragic life of Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman of rural England whose life is dramatically affected by societal norms, class structures, and fate. The story highlights the tension between Victorian moral expectations and individual desires, making it a powerful exploration of identity and social injustice during a time of significant scientific and philosophical advancements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The novel depicts Tess's hardships as she faces social ostracism due to her experiences with men and her perceived moral failings.
2. Hardy uses nature as a powerful symbol throughout the book, often reflecting Tess's emotions and inner turmoil.
3. Tess's character challenges traditional gender roles by representing both vulnerability and strength in a male-dominated society.
4. The narrative structure of the novel employs foreshadowing to illustrate Tess's tragic fate, often leaving readers with a sense of inevitability.
5. The book sparked considerable controversy upon its release due to its frank treatment of sexual themes and its criticism of Victorian societal norms.

Review Questions

• How does Hardy use the character of Tess to reflect the themes of Naturalism and Victorian Morality?
  • Hardy uses Tess to illustrate the harsh realities of life shaped by Naturalism, showing how her circumstances and environment profoundly influence her choices and outcomes. At the same time, Tess embodies the conflict with Victorian Morality, as her struggles challenge societal expectations about femininity and virtue. Through her experiences, Hardy critiques the rigid moral standards of the time while simultaneously demonstrating how these standards create tragic consequences for individuals like Tess.
• Analyze how determinism plays a role in Tess's life choices and ultimate fate within the story.
  • Determinism is a key concept in Tess of the d'Urbervilles as it underscores how Tess's life is shaped by forces beyond her control, such as her social class, gender expectations, and familial legacy. Her encounters with Alec and Angel serve as critical turning points that seem predetermined by her background and societal pressures. This philosophical lens highlights the novel's exploration of whether individuals can truly exercise free will in a world dictated by external circumstances.
• Evaluate how Hardy's portrayal of nature reflects Tess's emotional journey and social commentary in the novel.
  • In Tess of the d'Urbervilles, Hardy masterfully intertwines nature with Tess's emotional state, using it as a barometer for her struggles and triumphs. For instance, pastoral settings often contrast with her inner turmoil, symbolizing innocence lost amid societal pressures. By doing so, Hardy not only paints a vivid picture of rural England but also critiques how nature itself becomes an adversary in Tess's life—reflecting broader themes of victimization and social injustice against the backdrop of an evolving society.

Related terms

Naturalism: A literary movement that emphasizes a detailed portrayal of ordinary life while exploring the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior.

Victorian Morality: A set of attitudes and values that characterized the Victorian era, emphasizing strict social codes, sexual restraint, and moral seriousness.

Determinism: The philosophical belief that all events, including human actions, are ultimately determined by causes regarded as external to the will, impacting Tess's struggles throughout the novel.