In Tess of the DUrbervilles, how does Hardy present Tess and Angels relationship as one that is destined to fail?

In Tess of the D'Urbervilles, how does Hardy present Tess and Angel's relationship as one that is destined to fail? In Hardy's tragic novel, nothing is as clear as it seems. Although Alec D'Urberville was the ostensible instigator of the protagonist Tess Durbeyfield's downfall, it must be argued that Angel Clare plays just as a significant role in her destruction. Initial contemporary readings saw Tess and Angel's relationship as doomed by Tess' past, while more modern interpretations point to Angel's decision to leave for the failure of the marriage. Throughout the novel, Hardy makes great use of foreshadowing in order to emphasise how the numerous tragedies in his protagonist's life cumulate in disaster. This has never been more apparent than with Tess and Angel: as a keystone of the novel, their relationship is haunted by the spectre of the past all the way through. By introducing Angel almost as soon as he establishes Tess' character, Hardy makes it clear from the outset that this relationship will be more significant than any other.. It is evident that Angel and Tess will fall in love, but what is even more arresting is Angel's initial and lasting impression that Tess is the epitome of purity and maidenhood. Hardy starkly emphasises Tess' virginal aspects through compound nominal phrases such as "white shape" and "pretty maiden", creating the lasting image of her as a

  • Ranking:
  • Word count: 1667
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
Access this essay