Theory question 205
Other Set Texts: Non-African ProseLiterature 3, Section B: Non-African Prose. Thomas Hardy: Tess of the d'Urbervilles
Examine the contribution of Fate to Tess' downfall.
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Hardy shows Tess as a victim of fate and chance ('the President of the Immortals... had ended his sport with Tess').
Chance meeting of John Durbeyfield with Parson Tringham starts the d'Urberville story.
The death of the horse Prince forces Tess to go to Trantridge, where Alec seduces her.
Angel does not dance with her at the first May dance; they meet too late.
Her confession letter slips under the carpet and Angel never reads it before the wedding.
She overhears Angel's brothers and turns back from his parents' house.
Her father's death and the family's eviction drive her back to Alec just before Angel returns.
Conclusion: fate combines with society and character to destroy her.
Use several chance events.