To what extent is the opening of the novel, “Tess of the D'urbervilles”, typical of a tragedy?
To what extent is the opening of the novel, “Tess of the D'urbervilles”, typical of a tragedy?
The opening chapters of Thomas Hardy's "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" lay the understructure
for a narrative that adheres to the conventions of a tragedy. Hardy crafts a tale that unfolds
against the backdrop of rural England in the late 19th century, a setting that introduces
elements of social stratification and a rigid class system. The tragic protagonist, Tess
Durbeyfield, embodies both the characteristics of a tragic hero and, simultaneously, an
individual ensnared by societal expectations, the past and fate.
In the opening phase of his novel, Hardy describes the setting of the “Vale of Blackmoor” to
his readers –a place which reflects both Tess’ relative contentment in comparison with the
rest of the novel and her sexual purity which will soon be stolen. He describes it using the
words, “beautiful”, “untrodden” and “secluded” –all of these adjectives evoke ideas of
unspoiled nature which is reflective of Tess’ preserved sexual and emotional purity.
Furthermore, he refers to the “Vale of Blackmoor” as “ fertile and sheltered tract of country, in
which the fields are never brown and the springs never dry.” This evokes almost Edenic
imagery –particularly through the repetition of “never”. Hardy could, possibly, be exploring
how idyllic this place is in order to reflect Tess’ stage in her life. However, one could argue
that Hardy alludes to Tess’ peripeteia in his description of the setting. “The Vale was known
in former times as the Forest of White Hart”. Through the extended metaphor of purity, Tess
could represent the “white hart” who is hunted for sport by Alec D'Urberville. Furthermore,
her "Dirt-coloured hair" in particular paints an interesting image - though not ostensibly
flattering, it feeds into her image as the typical country girl by nature, giving her a role not
only as a tragic heroine but also representative of a group. She does not act or look out of
place within the role set out for her, and yet it is exactly this perception of her as the typical
innocent country girl that causes her such immense suffering at the hands of Alec and Angel
as the novel progresses. In this way, nature exonerates her of any sort of role in her own
demise, suggesting she is merely acting in accordance with her natural tendencies, yet is
punished by fate either way. It could be argued that whenever nature is used in relation to
Tess, it appears only to further emphasise her own purity; this foreshadows the tragic
downfall and demise of the protagonist.
To what extent is the opening of the novel, “Tess of the D'urbervilles”, typical of a tragedy?
The opening chapters of Thomas Hardy's "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" lay the understructure
for a narrative that adheres to the conventions of a tragedy. Hardy crafts a tale that unfolds
against the backdrop of rural England in the late 19th century, a setting that introduces
elements of social stratification and a rigid class system. The tragic protagonist, Tess
Durbeyfield, embodies both the characteristics of a tragic hero and, simultaneously, an
individual ensnared by societal expectations, the past and fate.
In the opening phase of his novel, Hardy describes the setting of the “Vale of Blackmoor” to
his readers –a place which reflects both Tess’ relative contentment in comparison with the
rest of the novel and her sexual purity which will soon be stolen. He describes it using the
words, “beautiful”, “untrodden” and “secluded” –all of these adjectives evoke ideas of
unspoiled nature which is reflective of Tess’ preserved sexual and emotional purity.
Furthermore, he refers to the “Vale of Blackmoor” as “ fertile and sheltered tract of country, in
which the fields are never brown and the springs never dry.” This evokes almost Edenic
imagery –particularly through the repetition of “never”. Hardy could, possibly, be exploring
how idyllic this place is in order to reflect Tess’ stage in her life. However, one could argue
that Hardy alludes to Tess’ peripeteia in his description of the setting. “The Vale was known
in former times as the Forest of White Hart”. Through the extended metaphor of purity, Tess
could represent the “white hart” who is hunted for sport by Alec D'Urberville. Furthermore,
her "Dirt-coloured hair" in particular paints an interesting image - though not ostensibly
flattering, it feeds into her image as the typical country girl by nature, giving her a role not
only as a tragic heroine but also representative of a group. She does not act or look out of
place within the role set out for her, and yet it is exactly this perception of her as the typical
innocent country girl that causes her such immense suffering at the hands of Alec and Angel
as the novel progresses. In this way, nature exonerates her of any sort of role in her own
demise, suggesting she is merely acting in accordance with her natural tendencies, yet is
punished by fate either way. It could be argued that whenever nature is used in relation to
Tess, it appears only to further emphasise her own purity; this foreshadows the tragic
downfall and demise of the protagonist.
