"Tess of the d'Urbervilles" By Thomas Hardy Review

Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy Review

Writer- Manmeet Kaur

Tess of d'Urbervilles Review

"Tess of the d'Urbervilles" is a tragic, classic novel, written by Thomas Hardy which was

published in 1891. It tells the tragic story of Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman from a poor family in rural England, and explores themes of social class, gender roles, fate, religious beliefs, etc. 

The novel begins with Tess's father discovering that they may be descendants of the noble d'Urberville family. This revelation leads to Tess being sent to work for the wealthy Mrs. d'Urberville, where she encounters Alec d'Urberville, a manipulative and lustful man who takes advantage of her. After a series of unfortunate events, Tess returns home and eventually falls in love with Angel Clare, a kind and idealistic young man. However, their relationship is marred by Tess's past, and her tragic fate unfolds as the story progresses.

Particularly, I liked "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" for its beautifully descriptive prose and its exploration of social issues prevalent during the Victorian era. As always, Thomas Hardy skillfully portrays the struggles of Tess as she navigates a society that harshly judges women for their perceived moral failings while allowing men to act with impunity. The novel also delves into the themes of nature, sexuality, and the destructive power of societal expectations.

Moreover, I also liked the growth of Angel’s character, he has always been a good person who never wronged anyone and respected people, however, his character was naive at the beginning of the novel. But it takes a mature turn when he finally realizes that nothing else matters other than the fact that he loves Tess. Though it's too late, the sincerity in his character and loyalty towards Tess is heart-warming.

Hardy's writing style is lyrical and atmospheric, immersing readers in the rural landscapes and the emotional turmoil of the characters. The novel presents a compelling critique of the rigid social structures of the time, exposing the hypocrisy and double standards faced by women like Tess. Contrary to the Victorian society of the time, throughout the novel the narrator does not judge Tess at all.

One notable aspect of "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" is its exploration of Tess as a tragic heroine. Tess's character is complex and multidimensional, making her relatable and sympathetic to readers. Her struggles and the injustice she faces elicit strong emotions, and the novel raises questions about the role of fate in shaping one's life.

Overall, "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that tackles important social issues while presenting a captivating story. Its timeless themes and memorable characters have made it a significant work in English literature. However, it's worth noting that the novel can be emotionally challenging, as it deals with themes of sexual assault, societal oppression, and the limitations imposed on women during that era.

I would give it 4.5 out of 5.