61 pages 2 hours read

Thomas Hardy

Tess of the D'Urbervilles

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1891

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Tess of the D'Urbervilles follows Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman who becomes an unwed mother after meeting the wealthy Alec d'Urberville. She moves on to work as a dairymaid and falls in love with Angel Clare, but her past catches up with her, leading to tragic consequences. The novel explores themes of social stigma, gender, class injustice, and the inevitability of fate. References to rape are included.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Thomas Hardy's Tess of the D'Urbervilles is praised for its rich narrative and tragic heroine, depicting rural England with evocative prose. Critics admire its emotional depth and social critique. However, some find fault with its melodramatic elements and perceived pessimism. Overall, it remains a compelling exploration of injustice and resilience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Tess of the D'Urbervilles?

Readers who appreciate intricate character studies, the exploration of social injustices, and tragic narratives will enjoy Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy. Fans of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights and Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations will find its Victorian-era setting and themes compelling.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Romance

Classic Fiction

Historical Fiction

Period

Victorian Period

Victorian Literature / Period

Themes

Identity: Sexuality

Identity: Gender

Society: Class

Topics

History: World