Tess of the d'Urbervilles

Novel | Thomas Hardy
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What led Tess to go to the d’Urbervilles at Trantridge?

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 What led Tess to go to the d’Urbervilles at Trantridge? [NU: 2014, 22]

In Thomas Hardy’s (1840-1928) novel “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” (1891), Tess is the protagonist. She belongs to the poor Derbyfield family. Tess is kind and hardworking. She wants to help her family. However, several misfortunes led Tess to go to the d’Urbervilles at Trantridge to seek help. This decision leads to many sorrows in her life.

Tess’s Father Learns About Their Noble Family Name: One day, Tess’s father, John Durbeyfield, meets Parson Tringham. The parson tells him that the Durbeyfields are actually from a noble family called the d’Urbervilles. He tells John Derbyfield,

“You are the lineal representative of the ancient and knightly family of the d’Urbervilles…”

After hearing this, John becomes proud and lazy. Tess’s mother, Joan, becomes excited. She says this could change their luck.

The Death of Prince, the Fami

ly Horse: Soon after, a terrible accident happens. Tess takes the family’s only horse, Prince, to the market to deliver beehives. Since her father is drunk, Tess thinks it is her duty to help her family. On the way, a fast mail cart crashes into them. Prince is badly wounded and dies. Tess feels very guilty and cries,

“‘Tis all my doing—all mine!’”

The horse was their only way to earn money.

Family Pressure and Poverty: Without the horse, the family becomes poorer. Tess feels it is her fault. Her parents suggest she go to the rich d’Urberville family at Trantridge to seek help. They think Alec’s family is related to them. In truth, that family only bought the d’Urberville name.

Hence, because of Prince’s death, family pressure, and poverty, Tess agrees to go to Trantridge. She only wants to help her poor family. But sadly, this one decision changes her life forever and begins her tragic journey.

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from Tess of the d'Urbervilles