Tess of the d'Urbervilles — Thomas Hardy

Description

'Tess of the d’Urbervilles' by Thomas Hardy follows Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman from a poor rural family who discovers that her ancestors belonged to the ancient d’Urberville family. Sent to seek assistance from wealthy relatives, Tess becomes entangled with Alec d’Urberville, an experience that profoundly changes the course of her life. Later, she finds love with Angel Clare, but the secrets and double standards surrounding her past place their relationship under immense strain. First published in 1891, the novel explores love, social class, sexuality, morality and the harsh consequences of Victorian attitudes towards women.