Tess of the d'Urbervilles

Synopsis

'She looked absolutely pure. Nature, in her fantastic trickery, had set such a seal of maidenhood upon Tess's countenance that he gazed at her with a stupefied air: "Tess- say it is not true! No, it is not true!"' Young Tess Durbeyfield attempts to restore her family's fortunes by claiming their connection with the aristocratic d'Urbervilles. But Alec d'Urberville is a rich wastrel who seduces her and makes her life miserable. When Tess meets Angel Clare, she is offered true love and happiness, but her past catches up with her and she faces an agonizing moral choice. Hardy's indictment of society's double standards, and his depiction of Tess as 'a pure woman', caused controversy in his day and has held the imagination of readers ever since. Hardy thought it his finest novel, and Tess the most deeply felt character he ever created. This unique critical text is taken from the authoritative Clarendon edition, which is based on the manuscript collated with all Hardy's subsequent revisions. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Summary

Chapter 1: The novel introduces the reader to John Durbeyfield, a poor farmer who learns from the local parson that he is descended from the ancient and noble d’Urberville family. His wife Joan, along with their daughter Tess, are excited by this news and John decides to send Tess to the d’Urberville mansion to claim kinship and seek work.

Real life example: In the first chapter, John Durbeyfield represents the poor and uneducated class of society in the Victorian era. The news of his noble ancestry reflects the obsession with social status and lineage during that time. This also shows the vulnerability of the lower class to manipulation and exploitation by the upper class.

Chapter 2: Tess arrives at the d’Urberville mansion, where she meets Alec d’Urberville, the purported son of the wealthy family. Alec immediately takes an interest in Tess and offers her a job as a poultry keeper. Despite her reservations, Tess accepts the offer due to her family's financial struggles.

Real life example: This chapter shows how women, especially those from lower class backgrounds, had very limited choices and were often forced to accept whatever work was offered to them, even if it made them uncomfortable. It also highlights the power dynamics between men and women, as Alec, a wealthy and influential figure, is able to take advantage of Tess's vulnerability.

Chapter 3: As Tess starts working at the mansion, she is constantly pursued by Alec who uses his charm and power to seduce her. Tess tries to resist his advances but eventually gives in to his manipulations and becomes a victim of sexual assault.

Real life example: This chapter reflects the harsh reality of the treatment of women in the Victorian era. Women were often seen as objects to be used by men for their pleasure, and Tess's experience with Alec is a tragic example of this societal norm.

Chapter 4: Ashamed and traumatized, Tess returns home to her family and eventually gives birth to a child whom she names Sorrow. The child falls ill and dies, leading to Tess's guilt and remorse.

Real life example: This chapter highlights the societal views of women who were victims of sexual assault and the immense guilt and shame they carried, even though they were not at fault. It also shows how women were often blamed and judged for their sexuality and its consequences.

Chapter 5: To escape her past and make a fresh start, Tess moves to another town and starts working at a dairy farm where she meets Angel Clare, a kind and compassionate man. They develop feelings for each other, but Tess is hesitant to disclose her past to him.

Real life example: This chapter shows the societal expectations placed on women to be "pure" and "innocent". Tess is afraid that her past will make her undesirable to Angel and his family, as women were often judged based on their past experiences and reputation.

Chapter 6: Angel proposes to Tess and they get married. However, on their wedding night, Tess confesses her past to Angel, expecting him to understand and forgive her. However, Angel's strict moral code and ideals are shattered, and he becomes distant and cold towards Tess.

Real life example: This chapter showcases the double standards held for men and women in terms of sexuality. Tess is judged and shamed for her past, while Angel's past liaisons with other women are overlooked and accepted as a part of his youth. This reflects the prevalent gender inequality in the Victorian society.

Chapter 7: Angel decides to leave for Brazil, leaving Tess behind at her childhood home. Desperate for a fresh start, Tess decides to visit Angel's parents and try to win them over. However, they reject her and urge her to leave, leaving Tess feeling hopeless and alone.

Real life example: This chapter highlights the societal pressure placed on women to conform to traditional gender roles and expectations. Tess's actions are seen as unforgivable by Angel's parents, and she is denied a chance at redemption and acceptance.

Overall, the novel Tess of the d'Urbervilles portrays the struggles of a young woman in Victorian society and sheds light on issues such as class divisions, gender inequalities, and societal expectations. It also serves as a cautionary tale against the destructive consequences of strict moral codes and the oppression of women.