Tess Of The D Urbervilles Research Paper

In the novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles, Tess stands as a low class woman because of her background. Her consistent struggle to improve her status in society is a result of her finances. The author uses the colors red, black, and white throughout the story as symbolism. Some of the themes discussed in this story have to do with uncontrollable situations, status in Victorian England, and women being treated unfairly. Tess learns to cope with the situations that reality throws her way. As the text shows, “She wore a red ribbon in her hair and was the only one of the white company who could boast of such pronounced adornment (25)”. Tess’ red bow inside of her hair serves as a symbol of love. It also separates her from the other women. This is one

“Having mounted beside her, Alec d’Urberville drove rapidly along the crest of the first hill, chatting compliments to Tess as they went, the cart with her box being left far behind (64).” Alec’s rapid driving is a tactic used to frighten Tess. He does this in hope of her clinging to him for refuge. Alec treats Tess unfairly because he uses the momentum of the horse to coerce her to kiss him. Her fear prevents her from rebelling against Alec’s wishes. The cart ride was an uncontrollable situation for Tess. Alec’s wit and cunningness allowed him to fulfill his desires. Tess has to put up with Alec’s disrespectful actions in hope of supporting her family in the long

“The oblong white ceiling with this scarlet blot in the midst had the appearance of a gigantic ace of hearts (400).” The killing of Alec was foreshadowed earlier in the story, when Prince the family horse was killed. The scarlet blood on the oblong white ceiling depicts Tess’ innocence being corrupted when Alec raped her. When the scarlet blot forms into the shape of an ace of hearts, it also shows that Tess has made the red card, as known as Alec face down.

Tess’ problems prolong throughout the novel. Angel favors Tess out of the other women, and wants to marry out. In Tess’ opinion she feels inferior and not compatible. “Driven to subterfuge, she stammered, “Your father is a parson and your mother wouldn’t like you to marry such as me (187). As the text shows, Tess’ refusal is based off of guilt from her past life. She travels to another location in search of a new start, but carries the burdens of her