"Cliff Notes - Tess of the D'urbervilles" - читать интересную книгу автора (Cliff Notes)

spirituality and passion.

Most readers are divided into two camps on Tess--they see her either
as a victim (of fate, society, or her own sexuality) or as a heroic
martyr, responsible for her own tragic fate. The best way to deal
with such a complicated character is to try to see her in various
lights.

In his portrayal of Tess, Hardy begins with the melodramatic
Victorian stereotype of the "innocent seduced"--a girl whose life is
ruined by those less sensitive than herself. But Hardy takes his
heroine beyond this popular Victorian type, by beginning rather than
ending the book with her "fall" and dealing with her will to survive.
Instead of committing suicide, Tess tries to go on living and loving,
staying true to her intentions and feelings.

Tess is overburdened with responsibilities for her family and her
loved ones. Though very resilient, she blames herself harshly for
innocent mistakes.

She's affectionate, sensual, and bright, though poorly educated.
Tess wants to better herself, not socially but as an individual.
This is what attracts her to Angel Clare. She has many fears,
probably because of her superstitious background. Although she tries
to live an orderly, modern, life, she finds herself reverting to
beliefs in fate and omens. When we compare her to Angel and Alec,
she seems fresher, less inhibited, and even wiser. Unlike these men,
she tries to combine thought and feeling. She is a daughter of the
earth rather than of the intellect.

Tess' character is a combination of her mother's fatalistic peasant
beliefs and her father's ancient aristocratic heritage. From the
d'Urbervilles she gets her socially rebellious, proud, and
temperamental nature. Hardy credits Tess' peasant side for her
ability to survive. Her worn-out aristocratic side seems to
encourage lethargy and passivity. Sometimes Tess lets people
victimize her; as her mother says, she's easy to manipulate.

Tess is often described as a hunted animal. She's very beautiful and
men are always pursuing her, either for purely sexual reasons or
because she represents an excitingly unformed life waiting to be
molded. People are always judging, pursuing, or rejecting her. Tess
doesn't try to change people; she respects their dignity and lets
them make their own choices, though she's there to help them in times
of need.

Tess' relationships with Angel and Alec are major focal points in the
novel. Alec reflects her sensuality but she rejects his love because
he has few aspirations and doesn't seem to care sincerely for people.
Angel, her true love, is forever striving after the highest and best