Tess of the d'Urbervilles

<p><em>Tess of the d'Urbervilles</em> by Thomas Hardy is a tragic novel about Tess Durbeyfield a poor country girl whose life is shaped by fate social pressures and personal misfortunes.</p><p>After her family learns they may be descended from the once-noble d'Urbervilles Tess is sent to claim kinship with wealthy relatives. There she is exploited by Alec d'Urberville which marks the beginning of her struggles. Later she falls in love with Angel Clare a kind but idealistic man who abandons her upon learning of her past. Tess's attempts to find happiness are continually thwarted by poverty betrayal and societal judgment.</p><p>In the end worn down by despair and injustice Tess kills Alec in desperation briefly reunites with Angel but is soon arrested and executed. The novel highlights themes of fate class morality and the harsh treatment of women in Victorian society.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p>