Tess is represented as a victim in the iconic novel of Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) Tess of D’Urbervilles. In this novel, Tess is a young and innocent girl, who found herself in a series of circumstances that eventually led her to go to the D’Urbervilles at Trantridge.
Tess’s family’s financial struggles:
Tess’s family, the Durbeyfields, faced significant financial difficulties. They were a poor rural family, and their dire circumstances forced Tess to seek employment to support them. This created a sense of responsibility and urgency for Tess to find work and alleviate their financial burdens. Reflecting on this responsibility, she laments,
“Why am I on the wrong side of this wall!”
The discovery of noble ancestry:
John Durbeyfield, Tess’s father, learned from a local person that their family had connections to the prestigious D’Urberville lineage. This revelation filled the Durbeyfields with pride and hope for a better future. They saw it as an opportunity to improve their social status and fortunes, and Tess was seen as the key to unlocking their potential.
Tess’s beauty and innocence:
Tess possessed exceptional beauty and an innocent charm, making her stand out among her peers. This combination made her an ideal candidate for the D’Urberville name to be revived and attached to the family. Her parents believed that if she could establish a connection with the wealthy D’Urbervilles, it would lead to a prosperous future for the entire family.
The manipulation by Alec d’Urberville:
Upon arriving at the estate, Tess was introduced to Alec d’Urberville, Mrs. Stoke-d’Urberville’s son. Alec was a charming and charismatic young man who took an immediate interest in Tess. He showered her with attention and compliments, making her feel desired and valued. This attention further fueled Tess’s belief that her association with the D’Urberville family could lead to a better life. But Alec’s motive was to seduce her into a romantic relationship.
These circumstances, combined with Tess’s hopes for a better life, ultimately led her to the D’Urberville estate, where she unwittingly fell victim to Alec’s manipulation and the subsequent challenges that awaited her.
