Tess of the d'Urbervilles Summary

"Tess of the d'Urbervilles" is a novel by Thomas Hardy, published in 1891. The novel tells the story of Tess Durbeyfield, a young girl from a poor family in the rural county of Wessex in England.

The story begins with Tess's parents, John and Joan Durbeyfield, discovering that they are the descendants of an ancient and noble family, the d'Urbervilles. They send Tess, who is beautiful and innocent, to seek help from their wealthy d'Urberville relatives, hoping that they will be able to improve their own financial situation.

Tess is taken in by the wealthy and powerful Alec d'Urberville, who seduces her and makes her pregnant. Tess gives birth to a child, who dies shortly after, and she is left alone and disgraced. She tries to rebuild her life, but is constantly haunted by her past and the shame that surrounds her.

Tess eventually falls in love with a young man named Angel Clare, and they plan to marry. But when Angel learns of Tess's past, he cannot accept it and abandons her on their wedding day. Tess is devastated and returns to Alec, hoping to find some kind of refuge.

Alec becomes obsessed with Tess and stalks her, eventually leading to a violent confrontation between the two of them. Tess kills Alec and flees, but she is eventually caught and brought to trial. She is found guilty and executed.

"Tess of the d'Urbervilles" is a powerful and tragic novel about love, betrayal, and social class in Victorian England. It explores themes of fate, morality, and the consequences of one's actions.

Details summary

"Tess of the d'Urbervilles" is a complex and multi-layered novel that explores many themes, including the role of fate in people's lives, the importance of social class, and the impact of Victorian morality on individuals.

The novel begins with the impoverished Durbeyfield family discovering that they are the descendants of a noble family, the d'Urbervilles. Hoping to improve their financial situation, they send their daughter Tess to seek help from their wealthy relatives. Tess is taken in by Alec d'Urberville, who seduces her and makes her pregnant.

Tess gives birth to a child, but it dies shortly after. She is left alone and disgraced, and she tries to rebuild her life. She eventually falls in love with Angel Clare, a young man from a middle-class family who is studying at a nearby university. They plan to get married, but on the night before their wedding, Angel confesses to Tess that he had a sexual relationship with a woman before meeting her. Tess, feeling that she must confess her own past, tells Angel about her relationship with Alec. Angel is unable to forgive her and abandons her on their wedding day.

Tess is devastated by Angel's rejection, and she returns to Alec, hoping to find some kind of refuge. Alec becomes obsessed with Tess and stalks her, leading to a violent confrontation between them. Tess kills Alec and flees, but she is eventually caught and brought to trial. She is found guilty and executed.

Throughout the novel, Hardy explores the theme of fate and the role it plays in people's lives. Tess is repeatedly victimized by circumstances beyond her control, and her tragic fate seems to be predetermined. Hardy also examines the impact of social class on people's lives, particularly on women. Tess's life is shaped by her poverty and her low social status, and she is constantly struggling to overcome the limitations imposed upon her by Victorian society.

"Tess of the d'Urbervilles" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that remains relevant today. Its exploration of themes such as fate, morality, and social class continue to resonate with readers, and its tragic ending is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking.