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Thomas HardyA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
592
Novel • Fiction
England • 1880s
1891
Adult
18+ years
Tess of the D'Urbervilles follows Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman who becomes an unwed mother after meeting the wealthy Alec d'Urberville. She moves on to work as a dairymaid and falls in love with Angel Clare, but her past catches up with her, leading to tragic consequences. The novel explores themes of social stigma, gender, class injustice, and the inevitability of fate. References to rape are included.
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Mysterious
Contemplative
Dark
299,061 ratings
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Thomas Hardy's Tess of the D'Urbervilles is praised for its rich narrative and tragic heroine, depicting rural England with evocative prose. Critics admire its emotional depth and social critique. However, some find fault with its melodramatic elements and perceived pessimism. Overall, it remains a compelling exploration of injustice and resilience.
Readers who appreciate intricate character studies, the exploration of social injustices, and tragic narratives will enjoy Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy. Fans of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights and Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations will find its Victorian-era setting and themes compelling.
299,061 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
592
Novel • Fiction
England • 1880s
1891
Adult
18+ years
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