it was not her fault This sense of guilt and blame predicts the guilt she carries throughout the story for her perceived sins Furthermore the Prince's death stresses the harshness of rural life and the wealthy's exploitation of the lower class The D'Urberville family's disregard for Prince's life reflects their indifference to Tess's well-being This social commentary highlights the novel's critique of Victorian society's class divisions and the suffering of the working class Lastly Prince's death is a turning point in Tess's life It forces her to leave her job at the D'Urberville estate setting her on a path that ultimately leads to her tragic downfall The horse's demise represents the loss of innocence and the beginning of Tess's troubled journey In conclusion Prince's death is not just a random event but a symbol of the novel's central themes of fate victimization and the harsh realities of Victorian society It marks the start of Tess's tragic story and performs as a powerful literary device that adds depth and meaning to the story nbsp