Title: Tess of the D’Urbervilles Author: Thomas Hardy

Setting: England, 1880’s

Characters:
Tess: The protagonist. She is a pretty girl who grew up in poverty. After her father learns he is part of a well-
known family, he sends her to work for a family with the same last name. This need for her to become a part of the
D’Urberville family causes her to suffer through many unfortunate events and ultimately leads to her demise.
Alec D’Urberville: A very forward and unreasonable man. He tries to woo Tess but fails because he is too pushy
and forward. She is put off by him but eventually rapes her in the woods, leaving her with a child to care for.
Throughout the novel he continuously tries to make her love him.
Angel Clare: An honest and sincere man that Tess falls deeply in love with at Talbothay’s dairy. He works at the
dairy despite the fact that his entire family consists of clergymen. They get married but the night of their wedding, she
confesses to him about her lost child and he leaves her to go to Brazil. When he leaves, Tess enters a deep depression
but tries to understand.
Mr. and Mrs. Durbeyfield: Tess’ parents, and the true catalysts for her demise. The reson that Tess undergoes so
much strife is because she is practically forced by her parents to go to the D’Urberville house and work.
Rev and Mrs. Clare: Angel’s parents. They are strict but kind and respect Angel’s decision not to be a
clergyman. Reverend Clare works with Alec D’Urberville and despises him. They eventually disapprove of Tess but
eventually begin to like her.
Marian, Izz, Retty: Tess’ only true friends. They all meet at Talbothay’s dairy, and although they are jealous of
her affection with Angel, they remain loyal to her throughout the novel.
Theme: Dwelling in the past and on social reputation can ultimately be detrimental
Symbols: red ribbon, Prince, pheasants Tone: pessimistic Irony: The reason that Tess suffers so much is because she
is sent to the D’Urberville house to work, but they are not even real D’Urbervilles.