Theory question 208
Other Set Texts: Non-African ProseLiterature 3, Section B. Thomas Hardy: Tess of the d'Urbervilles
Discuss the love between Tess and Angel.
Show the model answer
Model answer
Angel first sees Tess at the May-dance but does not dance with her.
They fall in love at Talbothays dairy; their love grows with the season.
Tess hesitates to marry because of her past but finally agrees.
On the wedding night she confesses; Angel cannot forgive her and leaves for Brazil.
Tess remains faithful and suffers in poverty; Angel's love is idealised and fails the test.
Angel returns repentant; after Alec's death they share a brief happiness before her arrest.
Their love shows the clash between ideals and reality, and the double standard of society.
Explanation
Trace the love from beginning to end.