Sunday, December 1, 2024

This Month in History (1891): Tess of the d’Urbervilles published

First posted 11/12/2025.

Tess of the d’Urbervilles

Thomas Hardy

First Publication: serialized fom July to December 1891 in The Graphic


Category: Victorian era social novel


Sales: ?

Accolades (click on badges to see full lists):

About the Book:

“This classic novel is a timeless exploration of love, morality, and the struggle for identity in Victorian England.” AZ When first published, the book received a mixed reception because it challenged the sexual morals of the time. The titular character “emerges as a tragic heroine, incapable of escaping the hypocrisy of Victorian society.” TG

Tess is “a young woman living in rural Victorian England. After learning of her family’s noble d’Urberville lineage, Tess sets out to restore her family’s fortunes.” AZ She spurns the advances of Alec d’Urberville, “a seductive yet dangerous man from her family’s past,” AZ eventually returning home. However, she is “disgraced by an illegitimate child” AZ and “tainted with shame and guilt.” AZ

When she meets Angel Clare, “an idealistic young man from a well-off family,” AZ she falls in love. Scared about how he’ll accept her past, she initially rejects his marriage proposals. When she eventually relents, she reveals her secret to him and he bolts for Brazil. By the time he gets his act together and returns, it’s too late.


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