Tess of D'Ubervilles: Character Analysis

Tess Durbeyfield

Overview

Tess Durbeyfield is the protagonist of Thomas Hardy's "Tess of the D'Urbervilles." She is a complex character, embodying innocence, strength, and victimhood. Tess's journey is marked by her struggles against societal norms and personal misfortunes. Hardy presents her as a pure and natural woman, whose tragic life highlights the injustices and hypocrisies of Victorian society.

Key Plot Moments

• Introduction to Tess and Her Family's History
  • Tess's father learns of their noble lineage, setting the stage for Tess's tragic association with the d'Urberville name.
  • This moment establishes Tess's initial innocence and the societal pressures that will shape her fate.
• Tess's Encounter with Alec d'Urberville
  • Tess is seduced by Alec, leading to her loss of innocence and the birth of her illegitimate child.
  • This incident marks the beginning of Tess's suffering and highlights her victimization.
• Tess's Return to Her Family and Angel Clare's Proposal
  • Tess returns home in disgrace but later meets Angel Clare, who proposes marriage.
  • This moment brings hope into Tess's life, showcasing her desire for redemption and happiness.
• Revelation of Tess's Past to Angel Clare
  • Tess confesses her past to Angel on their wedding night, leading to his rejection of her.
  • This pivotal moment underscores the theme of societal hypocrisy and the double standards faced by women.
• Tess's Final Act of Desperation
  • Tess kills Alec and is later captured and executed.
  • This moment emphasizes Tess's ultimate despair and the tragic consequences of societal and personal injustices.

Key Themes

• Purity and Morality: Tess embodies natural purity, yet she is judged and condemned by societal standards that fail to recognize her true character.
• Fate and Injustice: Tess's life is shaped by forces beyond her control, highlighting the cruel and arbitrary nature of fate and societal injustice.
• Gender Inequality: Tess's suffering is a result of the rigid and hypocritical moral codes that harshly judge women while excusing men.

Key Quotes

"Once victim, always victim—that's the law!"

• This quote reflects the harsh reality of Tess's life, where her victimization perpetuates her suffering.
• It highlights the societal and personal injustices that trap Tess in a cycle of misfortune.

"The beauty or ugliness of a character lay not only in its achievements, but in its aims and impulses; its true history lay not among things done, but among things willed."

• Hardy's reflection on character emphasizes Tess's inherent goodness despite her actions.
• It critiques the societal tendency to judge based on actions rather than intentions.

"She was no longer the milkmaid, but a visionary essence of woman—a whole sex condensed into one typical form."

• Tess is depicted as a symbol of all women, representing the universal struggle against societal oppression.
• This quote underscores Tess's transformation and the broader implications of her story.

"'Justice' was done, and the President of the Immortals, in Æschylean phrase, had ended his sport with Tess."

• Hardy's use of irony highlights the cruel and indifferent nature of fate and justice.
• It underscores the tragic and arbitrary suffering Tess endures.

"The river is the river, no more. Time is but the stream I go a-fishing in."

• This metaphor emphasizes the relentless and indifferent passage of time in Tess's life.
• It reflects the inevitability of fate and the futility of struggling against it.

Alec d'Urberville

Overview

Alec d'Urberville is the primary antagonist in "Tess of the D'Urbervilles." He is characterized by his manipulative and predatory nature, exploiting Tess and leading to her downfall. Alec represents the corrupting influence of power and the moral decay of the aristocracy.

Key Plot Moments

• Alec's First Encounter with Tess
  • Alec seduces Tess, resulting in her loss of innocence and her child's birth.
  • This moment establishes Alec's role as the catalyst for Tess's suffering.
• Alec's Conversion to Preacher
  • Alec briefly becomes a preacher, claiming to have reformed his ways.
  • This moment adds complexity to his character, though his underlying nature remains unchanged.
• Alec's Return and Re-Seduction of Tess
  • Alec returns to Tess's life, reasserting his control over her and leading to her further degradation.
  • This moment highlights Alec's persistent manipulation and Tess's desperation.
• Alec's Final Confrontation with Tess
  • Tess kills Alec in a moment of desperation and rage.
  • This act signifies Tess's breaking point and the culmination of Alec's destructive influence.
• Alec's Impact on Tess's Fate
  • Alec's actions ultimately lead to Tess's execution, solidifying his role as the primary cause of her tragedy.

Key Themes

• Corruption and Power: Alec's character exemplifies the corrupting influence of power and privilege.
• Hypocrisy and Redemption: Alec's false attempts at redemption emphasize the hypocrisy within societal and individual morality.
• Predation and Exploitation: Alec's treatment of Tess highlights themes of exploitation and the predatory nature of men in power.

Key Quotes

"You ask why I make a catspaw of you. It is my nature. I cannot help it."

• Alec's acknowledgement of his manipulative nature reveals his inherent cruelty.
• This quote underscores the predatory instincts that drive his actions.

"I was your master once! I will be your master again."

• Alec's assertion of dominance over Tess highlights the power dynamics in their relationship.
• It reflects his relentless pursuit of control and his disregard for Tess's autonomy.

"You are Eve, and I am the old Other One come to tempt you in the disguise of an inferior animal."

• Alec's biblical reference portrays himself as a tempter and Tess as a fallen woman.
• This quote illustrates Alec's view of himself and his justification for his actions.

"Remember, my lady, I was your master once; I will be your master again. If you are any man's wife, you are mine!"

• Alec's repeated claims of ownership over Tess highlight his possessiveness and entitlement.
• It emphasizes the persistent threat he poses to Tess's freedom and dignity.

"Well, my beauty, what are you doing here?"

• Alec's condescending and possessive tone underscores his objectification of Tess.
• This quote reflects his persistent manipulation and exploitation of her.

Angel Clare

Overview

Key Plot Moments

• Angel's First Meeting with Tess
  • Angel meets Tess at the dairy farm and becomes enamoured with her.
  • This moment establishes the romantic and idealistic foundation of their relationship.
• Angel's Proposal to Tess
  • Angel proposes to Tess, bringing hope and a sense of redemption to her life.
  • This moment highlights Angel's idealism and Tess's desire for acceptance.
• Angel's Rejection of Tess
  • After Tess reveals her past, Angel rejects her, unable to reconcile his ideals with reality.
  • This pivotal moment underscores Angel's hypocrisy and the double standards faced by Tess.
• Angel's Realization and Return
  • Angel realizes his mistake and returns to Tess, seeking forgiveness.
  • This moment marks Angel's recognition of his flaws and his attempt at redemption.
• Angel's Final Act of Desperation
  • Angel's efforts to save Tess are ultimately futile, leading to her execution.
  • This moment emphasizes the tragic consequences of his actions and the inevitability of Tess's fate.

Key Themes

• Idealism vs. Reality: Angel's character embodies the conflict between idealistic beliefs and the harsh realities of life.
• Gender and Hypocrisy: Angel's treatment of Tess reflects societal double standards and the hypocrisy within Victorian morality.
• Forgiveness and Redemption: Angel's journey highlights themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the difficulty of reconciling past actions with present ideals.

Key Quotes

"You were more sinned against than sinning, that I admit."

• Angel acknowledges Tess's victimization, yet his actions still reflect societal hypocrisy.
• This quote highlights the tension between his intellectual recognition and emotional response.

"Tess, I was a hypocrite to you and am not so now!"

• Angel's admission of hypocrisy underscores his internal conflict and flawed nature.
• This quote marks a moment of self-awareness and an attempt at reconciliation.

"Forgive me as you are forgiven! I forgive you, Angel."

• Tess's plea for mutual forgiveness emphasizes the theme of redemption and the power of love.
• This quote highlights Tess's enduring compassion and Angel's struggle to accept forgiveness.

"O Tess, forgiveness does not apply to the case! You were one person; now you are another."

• Angel's rejection of Tess reveals his inability to reconcile his ideals with her past.
• This quote underscores the double standards and moral rigidity that shape his character.

John Durbeyfield

Overview

Key Plot Moments

• Discovery of Ancestry
  • John learns from Parson Tringham that he is descended from the noble d'Urberville family.
  • This newfound knowledge inflates his ego and sets the stage for the Durbeyfield family's subsequent actions.
• Sending Tess to the d'Urbervilles
  • Encouraged by his wife, John supports the idea of sending Tess to claim kinship with the d'Urbervilles.
  • This decision is driven by his hope to profit from their supposed noble connections.
• Failure to Deliver Beehives
  • John's excessive drinking leads to his inability to deliver the beehives, forcing Tess to undertake the task.
  • This incident directly contributes to the death of the family horse, Prince.
• Reaction to Prince's Death
  • John's lack of practical solutions and reliance on Tess highlight his irresponsibility.
  • His reaction is more about maintaining his inflated sense of importance rather than addressing the family's financial struggles.
• Delusions of Grandeur
  • John's consistent boasting about his noble lineage, despite its lack of practical benefits, emphasizes his detachment from reality.
  • His behaviour contrasts sharply with Tess's pragmatic and sacrificial nature.

Key Themes

• Class and Social Mobility: John's obsession with his noble lineage represents the illusory nature of social mobility based solely on ancestry.
• Fate and Irony: The revelation of John's ancestry sets in motion a series of ironic and tragic events, illustrating Hardy's themes of fate and the arbitrary nature of social status.
• Responsibility and Irresponsibility: John's character exemplifies the consequences of irresponsibility, particularly in the context of familial duties.

Key Quotes

"'Sir John' he called us that—I reckon, and I was sent for only this morning. Yes, we are the real d'Urbervilles; and worth nothing."

• This quote captures John's inflated sense of importance based on his newfound lineage.
• It highlights the irony of his noble ancestry being of no practical value.

"Well, Tess ought to go to this other member of our family. She'd be sure to win the lady – Tess would; and likely enough 'twould lead to some noble gentleman marrying her. In short, I know it."

• John's plan to send Tess to the d'Urbervilles reflects his impractical and naive approach to solving their financial problems.
• This moment underscores his reliance on Tess to achieve his unrealistic dreams.

"The news immediately goes to his head and he acts entitled for the rest of the book."

• This quote summarizes John's character transformation after learning about his ancestry.
• It highlights the comedic and tragic elements of his inflated self-importance.

"They aren't angry, but it is out of indifference rather than kindness."

• John's indifferent reaction to the death of the Prince illustrates his lack of responsibility and practical concern for the family.
• This moment contrasts sharply with Tess's guilt and proactive nature.

"His bad health increases the alcohol's effects."

• This quote emphasizes the detrimental impact of John's lifestyle choices on his ability to fulfil his responsibilities.
• It also foreshadows the physical and economic decline of the Durbeyfield family.

Joan Durbeyfield

Overview

Key Plot Moments

• Promotion of Tess's Visit to the d'Urbervilles
  • Joan insists that Tess should visit the d'Urbervilles to claim kinship and seek a better future.
  • Her belief in this plan's success is rooted in her superstitions and desire for social mobility.
• Reaction to Prince's Death
  • Joan downplays the disaster and quickly moves to implement her plan for Tess.
  • Her reaction showcases her pragmatic approach to adversity and reliance on fate.
• Dressing Tess for the Trip
  • Joan prepares Tess for her visit to the d'Urbervilles, emphasizing her physical appearance as Tess's main asset.
  • This moment highlights Joan's superficial understanding of Tess's value and the dangers she is sending her into.
• Misgivings About Alec
  • Joan expresses doubts about Alec d'Urberville's character after Tess has left for Trantridge.
  • This moment reveals Joan's underlying concerns and foreshadows the consequences of her decision.
• Acceptance of Fate
  • Throughout the novel, Joan exhibits a cheerful fatalism, accepting the family's misfortunes with a sense of inevitability.
  • Her attitude contrasts with Tess's continuous struggle against her circumstances.

Key Themes

• Superstition and Fate: Joan's reliance on superstitions and her acceptance of fate highlights the novel's exploration of these themes.
• Maternal Responsibility: Joan's actions underscore the complexities of maternal responsibility and the impact of misguided intentions.
• Social Mobility: Joan's attempts to secure a better future for Tess reflect the broader societal themes of social mobility and class.

Key Quotes

"Well, Tess ought to go to this other member of our family. She'd be sure to win the lady – Tess would; and likely enough 'twould lead to some noble gentleman marrying her. In short, I know it."

• Joan's plan reflects her naive optimism and belief in social mobility based on superficial traits.
• This quote underscores her role in setting Tess on her tragic path.

"Joan fatalistically downplays the disaster and proposes her plan to Tess."

• This quote highlights Joan's pragmatic approach to adversity and reliance on fate.
• It contrasts with Tess's more proactive and guilt-ridden response.

"That night as they are lying in bed, Joan voices her misgivings to her husband. She says she wishes she had found out if Alec was a good man or not before letting Tess go with him."

• Joan's doubts about Alec reveal her underlying concerns and foreshadow the consequences of her decision.
• This moment underscores the complexity of Joan's character and her role in Tess's fate.

"She loves to sing and is very superstitious, often consulting her book the Compleat Fortune-Teller."

• Joan's reliance on superstitions and her cheerful disposition contrast with the harsh realities Tess faces.
• This quote highlights the thematic elements of fate and superstition in the novel.

"She keeps believing that 'what will be will be,' but for Joan that is an optimistic idea."

• Joan's acceptance of fate and her optimistic outlook provide a stark contrast to Tess's continuous struggles.
• This quote underscores the fatalistic attitude prevalent in the Durbeyfield family.

Izz Huett

Overview

Key Plot Moments

• Infatuation with Angel Clare
  • Izz, along with other dairymaids, falls in love with Angel.
  • Her unrequited love adds depth to her character and showcases her emotional resilience.
• Angel's Departure to Brazil
  • After Angel rejects Tess, he briefly considers taking Izz to Brazil.
  • Izz's willingness to accompany him highlights her devotion and desperation.
• Confession of Love
  • During their journey, Izz admits her love for Angel, emphasizing her honesty and loyalty.
  • This moment underscores the emotional complexity of her character.
• Support for Tess
  • Despite her feelings for Angel, Izz remains a supportive friend to Tess.
  • Her actions demonstrate her selflessness and strength of character.
• Appeal to Angel on Tess's Behalf
  • Later in the novel, Izz and Marian write a letter to Angel appealing for Tess's sake.
  • This moment highlights Izz's enduring loyalty and compassion.

Key Themes

• Unrequited Love: Izz's feelings for Angel and her response to his rejection illustrate the theme of unrequited love.
• Emotional Resilience: Izz's ability to endure heartache and remain supportive of others highlights her emotional resilience.
• Loyalty and Friendship: Izz's unwavering support for Tess showcases the themes of loyalty and friendship.

Key Quotes

"Because nobody could love 'ee more than Tess did! …She would have laid down her life for 'ee. I could do no more."

• Izz's confession underscores her selflessness and deep understanding of Tess's love for Angel.
• This quote highlights the theme of sacrificial love and loyalty.

"He asks if Izz loves him more than Tess does. Izz cannot help but say that she does not, that Tess would have 'laid down her life' for him."

• Izz's honesty and loyalty are evident in this moment, even as she reveals her feelings.
• This quote emphasizes Izz's integrity and the depth of Tess's love for Angel.

"Izz Huett – One of the Talbothays dairymaids who befriends Tess and falls in love with Angel. She is heartbroken when Angel rejects her, but never grows bitter towards Tess."

• This summary of Izz's character highlights her emotional resilience and unwavering friendship with Tess.
• It underscores the themes of unrequited love and loyalty.

"When Angel is leaving for Brazil he briefly asks Izz to accompany him. Later she and Marian write him a letter appealing on Tess's behalf."

• Izz's willingness to accompany Angel and her later actions on Tess's behalf demonstrates her loyalty and compassion.
• This quote underscores her selflessness and dedication.