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

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Chiara Giovanni 12Y

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 perfect woman. However, when Angel leaves and “dismisses the subject from his mind”, Hardy at once shows Angel’s objectification of Tess and how easily he can put aside her hurt, hinting at their relationship to come. Even once Angel knows who Tess is, his initial impression of her as a “fresh and virginal daughter of Nature” does not change but only becomes deeper embedded in his and the reader’s subconscious, painting a cruel contrast between his expectations and the real knowledge of Tess’ past.

As soon as Angel and Tess meet again at the idyllic Talbothay’s Dairy, Hardy introduces the severe contrast between Tess’ simple nature and Angel’s intellectual presence, foreshadowing more than ever that once Tess’ past comes to light, the relationship is doomed. When Angel first notices Tess at the breakfast table, Hardy subtly hints about his idiosyncratic tendency to see what he wants to see to the reader, saying that he “was ever in the habit of neglecting the particulars of an outward scene for the general impression”. This may seem to be incongruous with Angel’s introspective and thoughtful character, but when considered alongside his behaviour towards Tess, it fits perfectly. The use of the adverb “ever” suggests that Angel is fixed and unswerving in his beliefs and principles. In particular, Hardy is setting the scene for Angel’s refusal to take into account the mitigating circumstances of Tess’ rape, as he only sees the gross magnitude of the sin that has been committed. He refuses to entertain the notion that her past is similar to his, gasping “My God- how can forgiveness meet such a grotesque- prestigidation as that!” Hardy’s use of the adjective “grotesque” indicates how Angel simply cannot equate such a brutal act as rape with the innocent Tess, and it is anger at this, rather than at Tess herself, which causes his outburst.

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Additionally, Angel is idealistic in his morals, “imaginative to impracticability” as Hardy later scorns him, and this early quotation shows how Angel refuses to compromise his high ideals for anything, even his love for Tess. He takes advantage of her unshakeable belief in his views and asks her to “Think of years to come…and this past matter getting known- for it must be known”, striking fear into her honest heart and preventing her from using her feminine charms as a tool of persuasion. Tess genuinely believes him and does not think to suggest emigrating: her loyalty to him is ...

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An excellent essay. It remains focused on the title throughout, and each paragraph builds on the previous one to create a convincing argument. The writer has a really thorough knowledge of textual detail, and makes highly effective use of brief quotation to support the points being made. In addition, the writer has an excellent general and technical vocabulary, which help to create a sophisticated and persuasive response.