Tess of the D'Urbervilles: The Ultimate reason as to why readers are captivated by a novel is the interaction between characters

The recurrent theme of male dominance in society in the novel demonstrates the way in which men exerted power over women in the context, as well as conveying to the reader the values and ethics of the late 1800s. The most obvious example of male dominance in the novel is where Tess is seduced and taken advantage of by Alec's lust. Following the rape, she learns she is pregnant, and gives birth to Sorrow. At mass, when the churchgoers "observing her, whisper to each other" Tess "grew sick at heart and felt that she could not come to church". Although Tess is a victim, Victorian culture distinguishes her as a perpetrator. This act of abuse by Alec shapes Tess' personality, as well as the way she acts and thinks later in the novel, thus manipulating the plotline. This example of male dominance not only shows the interaction between Alec and Tess, but also society. This demonstrates just how powerful male dominance was, where in the eyes of society, women were the ones who were to blame, even if the men were the ones who did wrong. Hardy incorporates the morals and values of the late 1800s to build setting, tone and atmosphere, so the reader is able to relate the elements shown in the novel to their context. The theme holds much importance to the novel, as the theme influences the way the characters interact, and creates a world in which the audience is able to relate to.

Religion as a theme in the novel manifests itself to clearly convey to the reader the ideas of religion at the time through the perspective of the author. The relationship between Alec and Tess demonstrate this perspective through the examples mentioned above. From the novel, the audience can see that when Alec "converts" after the rape of Tess, his conversion is superficial. An example of this is when both Alec and Tess assume that a landmark is a Christian cross, when it in fact represents grotesque violence. Hardy uses symbolism to show that the Cross-in-Hand symbolises the lack of authenticity within Alec's conversion. This relic that Alec asks Tess to swear upon seems to represent Christian teachings, but it also symbolises the violence and suffering that Alec has inflicted upon Tess, which shapes her as a person later in the novel. Also, it is simple for the audience to see that Alec's conversion was superficial when Alec blames Tess for her own troubles, asking her never to tempt him again when she had done nothing to lure Alec or even show any interest in him. Alec remains little changed from his previous incarnation remains his assured belief that it is Tess who is responsible for Alec's sins and not Alec himself. Hardy conveys his critical views on religion in the 1800s, captivating readers with his perspectives that are illustrated though the the characters and the recurrent theme of religion.

The interaction between characters in a novel is the ultimate reason as to why the audience is captivated. Through Tess of the D'Urbervilles, Thomas Hardy demonstrates the importance of contact between characters in carrying out the plotline and determining character traits as well as tone, atmosphere and context. Alec D'Urberville and Tess Durbeyfield illustrate to the reader the concept of character interaction and its importance and contribution to the novel. His universal themes of love and lust, male dominance in society, and religion are prevalent and easily relatable to contemporary audiences as well as audiences of any context as those themes underlie most societies. The characters of Tess and Alec convey these universal themes and hence, the reader is captivated by how they interact with each other as well as society.