Tess of the D’Urbervilles (Magill Book Reviews)
At a glance:
- Author: Thomas Hardy
- First Published: 1891
- Type of Work: Victorian Novel
- Genres: Long fiction, Philosophical realism
- Subjects: Sex or sexuality, Murder or homicide, Nineteenth century, Social issues, Rural or country life, England or English people, Lower classes, Ethics, Fate or fatalism
- Locales: Wessex, England
One of the most sympathetic heroines in literature, Tess is tricked by Alec D’Uberville into leaving her impoverished home to come to work as a poultry tender for Alec’s mother. In a situation where fate intervenes, Tess is raped by Alec--a man she never loves--and then submits to him for a brief period. Fleeing him, she returns home where her child is born, and where she endures the shame of motherhood out of wedlock.
After her child’s death through illness, Tess again leaves home to work, this time as a dairy maid. On the dairy farm, she meets the love of her life, Angel...
[The entire page is 629 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
Navigate
See Also
