Tess of the D'Urbervilles: Thomas Hardy

Controversial when first published, Hardy's story of Tess and her fate, set in the rural landscapes of Dorset, still has the power to move and disturb. The novel raises questions about sexuality and social pressures, the destruction of the natural world, and the psychology of humanity in a secular era.

In this study Philip McCarthy traces the presentation of Tess' relationships with Alec D'Urberville and Angel Clare, using the author's own judgement of his heroine as a reference. He analyses the presentation of Nature, Fate and the condition that Hardy calls the Ache of Modernism. With close textual reference, he provides a clear exploration of character, themes and aspects of style.

About the author:

Philip McCarthy studied at the universities of Kent and Cambridge. He lectured for many years in Higher Education, teaching English and American literature. Currently he works in Adult and Community Education.

58  pages

ISBN: 978-1-906075-45-3