ce. One night, when returning from a nearby town, Alec takes her into the woods and rapes her. Alec’s crime ruins her life. After that, she never becomes truly happy. Tess did not know the danger men possess. After returning to her family, Tess tells her mother:

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

Tess gives birth to Alec’s child, Sorrow, who soon dies. Society does not see Tess as a victim. Instead, society blames her for giving birth without marriage. Alec's crime ruins her and will haunt her throughout her life.

Angel’s Love and Rejection: Later, Tess goes to work at Talbothays Dairy. There, she meets Angel Clare. Angel is different from Alec. He is kind and simple. They fall in love with each other deeply. Tess becomes hopeful again and starts to dream of a happy future.

However, Tess is afraid of her tragic past. She thinks she is not worthy of Angel. So, she decides to tell him everything by writing a letter. Tess sends the letter under Angel’s door. Unfortunately, the letter slips under the carpet. Angel never reads it. On the wedding night, Tess tells him everything. Angel becomes shocked. He thinks Tess is no longer a pure woman. He says:

“O Tess, forgiveness does not apply to the case!”

This is unfair because Angel had an affair and spent two nights with a lady. But the society does not blame him or consider him impure. Tess forgives Angel, but he leaves her.

The Return of Alec: After Angel leaves for Brazil, Tess becomes poor and alone. She works hard on a harsh farm named Flintcomb-Ash. One day, Alec returns. He has become a preacher. However, when he sees Tess, he quickly gives up religion. Tess refuses him many times. She says:

“O, will you go away—for the sake of me and my husband…”

But Tess’s father dies, and the family becomes homeless. The family is starving. Alec takes advantage of Tess's poor condition. To save her family, Tess agrees to stay with Alec. But she never loves him. She writes letters to Angel, but Angel never returns. Alec's return ends Tess’s final chance of happiness.

The Return of Angel: Angel regrets his decision and returns to Tess. But it is too late. Tess is now living with Alec. She feels deep pain and anger because Alec has separated her from her loving husband. In pain and desperation, she kills Alec. She finally returns to Angel, but they cannot stay together long. The law hangs her for the murder. Hardy ironically writes:

“‘Justice’ was done.”

Tess’s death is the result of the cruelty of Alec, Angel, and the society itself.

In conclusion, Alec and Angel both influence Tess’s life deeply. Alec brings shame and pain. Angel brings love, but also rejection. The actions of Alec and Angel shape her tragedy. Tess becomes a symbol of a woman destroyed by love, betrayal, and society’s judgment.