61 pages • 2 hours read
Thomas HardyTess of the D'Urbervilles
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1891A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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
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 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.