Theory question 205
Other Set Texts: Non-African ProseLiterature 3, Section B: Non-African Prose. Thomas Hardy: Tess of the d'Urbervilles
Discuss the contribution of Tess' parents to her tragedy in the novel.
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John Durbeyfield, told by the parson that he descends from the noble d'Urbervilles, becomes boastful, idle and drunk.
Because he is too drunk to drive, Tess takes the hive to market at night and the horse Prince is killed; she feels guilty.
Joan Durbeyfield sends Tess to the rich 'cousins' at Trantridge, hoping for a good marriage; this puts Tess in Alec's power.
Joan never warned Tess about men, so Tess is innocent and unprepared.
Joan advises Tess not to tell Angel about her past, which leads to the crisis on the wedding night.
After John's death the family is evicted and left in poverty; to save them Tess goes back to Alec.
Conclusion: their weakness and poverty are major causes of her tragedy, together with fate and society.
Name each parent's actions and their result.