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Introduction

Show that although Tess has broken a social law that she is still at harmony with nature Within Hardys novel Tess of the D?Ubervilles, Hardy puts in much effort into the characterisation of Tess to dismiss social law and focus on the harmonious relationship she has with nature. Most obviously, the quote ?she had been made to break a necessary social law, but no law known to the environment in which she fancied herself such an anomaly?, shows Hardys conclusion on the matter. Here, Hardy suggests that although she committed a crime in the views of society, it was not her fault and she should not been blamed as it was a natural occurrence that she could not have helped. Hardys wording ?made to break? confirms his dismissal of social law, therefore presenting nature as a sort of omnipotent force. Hardys criticism of societys attitude towards virginity and pureness can also be seen here, as it is clear to him Tess has not done anything wrong, but Tess feels much guilt about the matter. ...read more.

Middle

Within society, she is just a low class country girl, but within nature, she is ?integral?, further suggesting Tess has become very close with nature, and clearly showing her importance as a natural being, and not as a product of society. Tess? relationship with nature comes to the extreme of her having anti-Catholic thoughts, where there is mention of a ?vague ethical being whom she could not class definitely as the God of her childhood?. Here, it is suggested that Tess? close relationship with nature has led her to re-think her belief in God, arguably as by being in nature she has experienced its power and believes it is omnipotent rather than God. It is clear that she has dismissed the ?childhood? teachings of God, in return for an agnostic sort of view. The power of nature has clearly had an impression on Tess, and has made her change her views about life, emphasising her unity with it as it is effectively teaching her a new way to think. ...read more.

Conclusion

She was so close to nature, that it was like she became nature and therefore there was no need to name her as she did not stand out amongst the surroundings. Hardy presents Tess as a complete contrast to the reaping machine, which is presented as unnatural and almost terrifying. Hardy uses the semantic field of terror, through words such as ?refuge?, ?doom?, ?death?, within his descriptions of it. The reaping machine was a product of industrialisation which helped for a faster harvest. Through the contrast Hardy sets up between the terrifying reaper and the natural beauty of the labourers reflects how Hardy disagreed with the new technology that came into farming. This is therefore a representation of the struggles that Hardy felt as he lived through an age of great transitions, and through the descriptions of Tess he is indirectly making his case against industrialisation for why human workers on the farm are superior. Hardy therefore strongly feels that women (and therefore Tess) are very much in harmony with nature. ...read more.

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