Tess_of_the_D'Urbervilles

Tess of the D’Urbervilles Essay Hardy describes vividly the relationship between social context and the fate of the individual. How does the novel represent the connection between individual and society' In Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles Tess is portrayed as a tragic and innocent girl placed in a cruel world swept helplessly along by the events of the novel. Hardy uses Tess’s story to express his feelings about many issues that surfaced during the Victorian era. His social commentary alerts the reader to society’s seeming innocence, its strict moral codes enforced upon women, and the ways in which the increased use of machinery on the land threatens traditional ways of completing tasks. Hardy rebels against these conventions, alerting Tess to the fact that while she is a part of society, she does not necessarily need to conform to the expectations of an outdated, non-progressive society. He places Tess in difficult situations in order for her to realise that she has the power to become an independent woman, not merely a by-product of the era in which she is living. Although Tess finds it impossible to escape her ultimate fate because of the historical and cultural context in which she lives, she develops an individuality that would appear to be impossible at the beginning of the novel. The notion of the individual and society is a complex one and will be further explored below. Tess inhabits the Victorian era where religion, purity and social class are extremely important. Hardy challenges these social conventions by introducing Tess as an innocent, pure girl who loses her innocence and purity after being raped. With societal expectations demanding that women remain chaste until after wedlock, Tess thwarts these demands and produces a child from the sexual assault. When Tess returns from Trantridge after being raped, people in the church are gossiping about her, “she knew what their whispers were about, grew sick at heart and felt she could come to church no more”. Tess feels as though she is carrying the burden of judgement from society. After giving birth to Sorrow, Tess feels as though she is alienated from society because they scorn her for having sexual relations out of wedlock. “At present stage of her existence living as a stranger and an alien”. Tess is seen as being impure, unchaste and a fallen woman. Tess is regarded as a “spouseless mother with no experience of life except as a mother with a nameless child”. The reference to a ‘nameless child’ evokes an image of rejection and repression. The words ‘spouseless mother’ reflect the lowly position Tess occupies. Never is there judgment passed on Alec, the rapist. It is evident that the Victorian era is a time when social status, religion and ancestry are extremely important. Although Tess’s rape and subsequent birth of a child are a personal tragedy, they become a source of social commentary for the society she inhabits. The discovery that Tess is a member of the late stoke D’urberville leads to her ultimate fate. It may be stated that Fate determines or pre-ordains the lives of the characters involved in the novel. The fate of Tess is to live a sorrowful life and to improve the lives of her family. Despite Tess being well- educated, emotionally and mentally sound with a degree of self -motivation, Tess becomes a victim of ‘fate’. Tess is introduced as a young and pure girl symbolised through the wearing of a white dress. She is pictured from the start of the novel also wearing a red ribbon. “ ...she wore a red ribbon in her hair, and was the only one of the white company who could boast such a pronounced adornment”, possibly a pictorial reference to indicate “danger” or “immoral behaviour”. Tess seems to seal her own fate by giving herself up with no protest to her mother and Alec’s manipulative behaviours. “You will never set out to see your folks without dressing up more the dand than that. At first there may be a little pretence o’t.. I think it be wiser of ‘ee to put your best side outward”. The tone used in the dialogue shows us that Tess’s mother is very overpowering and desires the best for her daughter. It seems as if her mother has already predetermined her life. This quote also highlights the exploitation of women and the reliance of men on women to maintain an adequate standard of living. It shows the complete subjugation of women in society. It is a sad indictment on society that Tess could never imagine how her life would be without Alec playing a major role in it. ...“He who was to be the blood red ray in the spectrum of her young life”. Tess finds validation for her self and her life through the attentions of a man. This is condoned by her own mother and the society in which she lives, revealing the interconnectedness the individual and society. Tess of the D’Urbervilles clearly shows that there is a strong relationship between an individuals actions and the reaction to those actions by the society in which the individual lives. The portrayal of Tess’ innocence stands in direct contrast to the confronting and socially unacceptable chain of events with which Tess is faced with. This relationship between Tess and her society exemplifies the conformist and repressive society of England in the Victorian era, ultimately highlighting that individuals are a product of their society. Word Count: 911 words Criteria | Marks | * Demonstrates detailed knowledge and perceptive understanding of set text. * Shows a highly developed ability to describe and analyse the structures, language forms and features of text and the way these shape meaning and influence responses. * Communicates a sustained point of view from arising sophisticated interpretation and analysis that addresses the terms of the question. * Demonstrates precision, flair and sophisticated control of language appropriate to audience, purpose and form. | 13 – 15 | * Demonstrates detailed knowledge and strong understanding of set text. * Shows a well developed ability to describe and analyse the structures, language forms and features of text and the way these shape meaning and influence responses. * Communicates a sustained point of view based on effective interpretation and analysis that addresses the terms of the question. * Demonstrates precision and effective control of language appropriate to audience, purpose and form. | 10 – 12 | * Demonstrates reasonable knowledge and sound understanding of set text. * Shows reasonable ability to describe and analyse the structures, language forms and features of text and the way these shape meaning and influence responses. * Communicates a point of view based on reasonable interpretations of the text that addresses the terms of the question. * Demonstrates a sound control of language appropriate to audience, purpose and form. | 7 – 9 | * Demonstrates fair knowledge and some understanding of set text. * Makes some attempt to describe and analyse the structures, language forms and features of text and the way these shape meaning and influence responses. * Attempts to communicate a response to the question. * Demonstrates some control of language appropriate to audience, purpose and form. | 4 – 6 | * Demonstrates some knowledge and limited understanding of set text. * Provides limited description of the structures, language forms and features of the text with little or no recognition shown of how these aspects shape meaning and influence responses. * Communicates a limited response to the question. * Demonstrates limited sophisticated control of language appropriate to audience, purpose and form. | 1 – 3 | * Non-attempt, virtual non-attempt, non-serious attempt. | 0 | | Mark: | Comment: |