Tess of the D'Urbervilles Author:Thomas Hardy When Parson Tringham, a historian in rural Wessex, passes farmer John Durbeyfield on the road, the parson can't resist telling some local history: that the poor Durbeyfields are descended from a rich, noble family, the D'Urbervilles. With visions of grandeur, Durbeyfield sends his young daughter Tess to work for his newly found kin. — Tes... more »s's life is never the same.
First published in 1891, Tess of the D'Urbervilles was subtitled A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented. Although its frank discussion of sexual mores and social hypocrisy shocked Victorian England, Hardy's deeply compassionate portrayal of Tess, and his masterful depiction of rural English life have made Tess of the D'Urbervilles a triumph of literary art, and a timeless commentary on the human condition.
Reprinted from the original 1891 edition of the book, this new edition includes an essay by Irving Howe.« less
This novel, although classic, did not move me as many other classics do. Several factors contributed to this, including a violation by a blood relative at the beginning of the novel, overly descriptive language describing the land, and the utter helplessness of the heroine. She is completely unable to stand up for herself. A reader will roll his or her eyes many times at Tess's attempt at self-futility, most pointedly during the scene where her husband reacts to her "secret." Some say her final act in this book makes up for the weakness she exhibits throughout, but for me, I didn't think so. Only recommended if you've got a misogynistic streak.
Although the experts deem this to be one of Hardys best novels, I found it to be a slow-moving soap opera: a triangular variation of the Hester Prynne-Rev. Dimmesdale saga, but much longer. In this, our heroine, Tess, seduced by a false dUrberville finally marries a Mr. Claire, the third son of a stalwart preacher, only to be immediately spurned by her new husband. What ensues are the trials and tribulations that she faces after being abandoned. It seems that what deserves forgiveness in the gander holds not for the goose. All this ends abruptly and unexpectedly in the conclusion. Hardy forces the readers imagination early in the story and again throughout; one must read between the lines and fill in the details. Thus, amplification of the seduction is largely in the mind of the reader, as are the fates of Tess and Mr. Claire at the conclusion.
A beautifully written allegorical insight into changing English mores at a time of great social and economic upheaval. The gross injustice of it through contemporary eyes kept me both angry and intrigued.
The text is very good, I have not finished the book yet because of lack of time. What I find most irritating about the book is the non margin on inner side of the pages. Almost impossible to read, a constant struggle to keep the book opened wide enough to read. How did the publishers ever get away with being so stingy with paper?
Although it is your typical classics downer, it is beautifully written and show how, unfortunately, some attitudes about and by women and men have not changed.
