The D'Urberville Dilemma: A 21st Century Verdict on Tess

Books, Fate, and Tess of the D'Urbervilles: A Journey Through Time and Injustice

I couldn’t help but wonder, what is it about certain books that haunt our thoughts long after we've turned the final page? That’s me all the time. My name is Jodine, and I’m addicted to the way books transport me into different worlds. This blog will be my outlet, my space to release pent-up thoughts and spark conversations - with like-minded bibliophiles. So, get comfortable in your favourite reading spot and join me as we dive into our favourite stories. This week, let's talk about Thomas Hardy's "Tess of the D'Urbervilles," a book that instantly captured my heart from among the countless books I've devoured—no small feat for someone with an English degree. This 1891 classic weaves themes of fate, social injustice, morality, and the intricacies of human nature. Together, we’ll reimagine Tess’s story in the 21st century and see how Hardy’s narrative and characters still speak to us today.

Tess of the D'Urbervilles Book - AI generated image with Tess in a field as the cover.

A Tale of Two Englands: Rural vs. Urban

Hardy, a poet at heart, uses vivid symbolism and imagery to bring Tess's journey to life. One of the first things that struck me was how he portrays rural England. He describes it as "this fertile and sheltered tract of country in which the fields are never brown and the springs are never dry."

This idyllic portrayal is significant, written shortly after the Industrial Revolution, which Hardy believed eroded tradition and community. The industrial parts of the text, in contrast, are described with a stark dullness: "Her eyes glanced over the place, but found no household shape or lineament suggestive of its being a domestic domain. There was no warmth, no cheerfulness, no comfort anywhere, only a splendid gilded hotel, where he lay." This depiction of Alec’s world underscores Tess’s separation from it and reflects Hardy’s critique of industrialization.

Stock image of fields with small house in the center

The Injustice of Victim Blaming

Beyond the rural vs. urban conversation, Hardy’s social critique and forward-thinking approach to issues like sexual violence were striking. In a time when victim-blaming was rampant (and, sadly, still persists today), Hardy makes it abundantly clear that Tess is wronged. Through his metafictional style, he poses poignant questions: "But where was Tess's guardian angel? Where was providence? Perhaps like that other god of whom the ironical Tishbite spoke, he was talking, or he was pursuing, or he was in a journey, or peradventure he was sleeping and was not to be awaked."

This passage resonated deeply with me. Hardy uses religious motifs to highlight the injustice Tess faces, suggesting that her suffering was undeserved and overlooked by a negligent providence. Victorian readers often failed to see Tess as a victim, yet Hardy firmly establishes her innocence, presenting her tragedies not as punishment for promiscuity but as a critique of societal failures.

Dark clouds and fields with rays of light cascading down

Angel Clare: The Ideal Turned Complex

And then there’s Angel Clare, a character that festered excitement for me at the hope of romance and recompense for our protagonist. From the beginning, Angel seems like the perfect match for Tess, an embodiment of compassion and support. The name itself sells an idea that he will be that ‘guardian angel’ she always needed. However, the complexities of his character reveal themselves when he learns of Tess’s past and reacts with judgment rather than understanding. This moment shattered my romantic hopes for Tess, who deserved peace after enduring so much abuse and hardship.

This twist speaks volumes about the expectations and realities of forgiveness and support, both then and now. In modern times, we hope for empathy and understanding for those who disclose such painful truths, but Hardy reminds us that societal attitudes can be harsh and unforgiving.

Ai generated image of Angel Clare with landscape behind

Final Thoughts

"Tess of the D'Urbervilles" showcases Hardy’s genius through its powerful, thought-provoking narrative. By exploring complex characters and rich symbolism, Hardy provides insights into human nature and social justice that continue to provoke thought and inspire dialogue. As I close the pages of "Tess of the D'Urbervilles," I find myself still haunted by Tess’s story. Hardy’s portrayal of human nature and societal failures is not just a reflection of the past, but a mirror to our present. And so, I couldn’t help but wonder, have we really progressed, or are we still just as blind to the Tess’s of our world today?

- J