Tess of the d'Urbervilles is a seminal tragic novel that chronicles the life of Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman from a rural working-class family whose discovery of noble ancestry sets in motion a series of catastrophic events. Through Tess's journey, Hardy critiques the oppressive moral codes, gender inequalities, and social rigidities of Victorian England, while exploring profound philosophical questions about fate, guilt, and the human condition.
Key skills and knowledge for this topic
Key points examiners look for in your answers
Expert advice for maximising your marks
Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers
Essential terms to know
Practice questions tailored to this topic