Theory question 206
Other Set Texts: Non-African ProseLiterature 3, Section B. Thomas Hardy: Tess of the d'Urbervilles
Discuss the role of Alec in the novel.
Show the model answer
Alec d'Urberville is the son of a rich merchant who bought the d'Urberville name; Tess is sent to his mother's home.
He is a selfish, sensual, smooth-tongued pursuer; he seduces (rapes) Tess in The Chase.
Tess bears his child, Sorrow, who dies: this is the start of her ruin and the 'past' that Angel cannot forgive.
He reappears as a preacher, but gives it up when he sees Tess again and harasses her at Flintcomb-Ash.
He helps her family after her father's death and so persuades her to live with him at Sandbourne.
When Angel returns, Tess kills Alec, for which she is hanged.
Role: he is the villain and the main agent of her tragedy; he also represents the abuse of wealth and class.
Show his effect at each stage of Tess's life.