Tess of the d'Urbervilles: A Tragedy of Innocence

Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy is a heartbreaking tragedy about a pure country girl’s fate. Tess, a kind and hard-working young woman, is trapped by family poverty and false social status. She is betrayed by Alec and abandoned by Angel, the man she loves, just because of her past misfortune. Hardy uses Tess’s story to criticize the unfair moral standards of Victorian society, which is cruel to women and values reputation over truth. Tess is innocent, but the world around her pushes her into despair step by step. Her tragic end makes readers feel sad and angry about the injustice of that age. This novel is not just a love story, but a deep reflection on society and human nature. Hardy’s vivid writing makes Tess a memorable character, and her story still touches people today, reminding us to cherish kindness and fight against unfair rules.