Tess of the d'Urbervilles

Novel | Thomas Hardy
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The factors responsible for the tragedy of Tess

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Who is more responsible for Tess’s death? [NU: 2017, 19] ★★★

In Hardy’s (1840-1928) novel “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” (1891), Tess is a pure woman. But she suffers a lot because of the wrong done to her by others, especially Alec and Angel. At the end of the story, Tess is arrested and hanged for killing Alec. Among the two people, Alec is more responsible for Tess’s death.

Alec’s Responsibility: Alec is the main reason for Tess’s tragedy. Alec is an evil character. He never changes throughout the story. When Tess goes to seek help from Alec’s family, the fake d’Urbervilles, Alec tries to seduce Tess. Tess is unaware of the dangers posed by men. So, Alec takes advantage and rapes her in a forest. Later, Tess asks her mother:

“Why didn't you tell me there was danger in men-folk?”

<
span style="font-weight: 400;">The rape ruins Tess’s life. Tess gives birth to Alec’s son Sorrow, who soon dies. Later in the story, Alec returns in Tess’s life to make her suffer more. He pretends to be a religious man. He takes advantage of Tess’s poverty and makes her his mistress. This ends Tess’s final chance of happiness.

Angel’s Responsibility: Angel also hurts Tess deeply. He leaves her when she needs him the most. When Tess tells Angel about her past with Alec and Sorrow, he thinks Tess is no longer a pure woman. He says he cannot live with Tess anymore as husband and wife. He says Tess is now a different woman, no longer pure:

“You were one person; now you are another."

This is unfair because Angel also had an affair with a lady. In the end, Angel realizes his mistake. But it is too late. Tess kills Alec to return to her loving husband, Angel.

Hence, though both Alec and Angel are responsible for Tess’s death, Alec is more responsible. Alec rapes and starts her suffering. Tess's suffering never goes away after that. Tess’s death is the result of the cruelty of Alec, Angel, and the society itself.

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Thomas Hardy
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from Tess of the d'Urbervilles