Theory question 205
Other Set Texts: Non-African ProseLiterature 3, Section B: Non-African Prose. Thomas Hardy: Tess of the d'Urbervilles
Comment on the view that Tess is a victim of society.
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Model answer
Poverty pushes her family to send her to the d'Urbervilles.
Seduced/raped by Alec, then judged by society's double standards.
Angel rejects her after the wedding night confession though he had sinned too.
Hard labour at Flintcomb-Ash; forced back to Alec to support her family.
Executed for killing Alec.
Also fate and chance; but society's morality crushes her.
Explanation
Assess with evidence.