Tess of the d'Urbervilles

This classic novel follows Tess Durbeyfield as she navigates love, betrayal, and societal judgment, ultimately facing a heartbreaking moral choice in Tess of the d'Urbervilles.

In Tess of the d'Urbervilles, Thomas Hardy masterfully explores the life of Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman caught in the throes of fate and societal expectations. Tess's journey begins with her family's desperate attempt to reclaim their noble heritage by claiming a connection to the aristocratic d'Urbervilles. However, her encounter with Alec d'Urberville, a wealthy and unscrupulous man, leads to tragedy as he seduces her, leaving her to navigate the harsh realities of a life marred by shame and suffering.

As Tess struggles to find her place in a world that judges her so harshly, she encounters Angel Clare, a man who offers her genuine love and the possibility of happiness. Yet, Tess's past continues to haunt her, presenting her with an agonizing moral dilemma that tests her strength and resilience. Hardy’s portrayal of Tess as 'a pure woman' challenges societal norms and exposes the double standards that govern women's lives, making the novel a poignant critique of Victorian society.

Hardy regarded Tess of the d'Urbervilles as his finest work, and Tess herself as the most deeply felt character he ever created. This edition, part of the esteemed Oxford World's Classics series, provides readers with an authoritative text that reflects Hardy's original manuscript and revisions, alongside insightful commentary and resources for further exploration of this timeless tale.