In Thomas Hardy's poignant novel 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles,' we follow the tragic journey of Tess, a young woman whose life is shaped by fate and societal pressures. From her humble beginnings to the heart-wrenching struggles against love and betrayal, Tess's resilience captivates the reader. As she confronts the harsh realities of class and morality in Victorian England, her story raises profound questions about justice and human nature. Hardy's lyrical prose paints a vivid picture of a woman fighting for her identity in a world that often seeks to define her. Will Tess find redemption or be forever bound by the inescapable weight of her past?
By Thomas Hardy
Published: 2003
"The tragedy is that some of us choose to fight the tide, while others simply drown in it."
A heartbreaking portrayal of a woman faced by an impossible choice in the pursuit of happiness When Tess Durbeyfield is driven by family poverty to claim kinship with the wealthy D'Urbervilles and seek a portion of their family fortune, meeting her 'cousin' Alec proves to be her downfall. A very different man, Angel Clare, seems to offer her love and salvation, but Tess must choose whether to reveal her past or remain silent in the hope of a peaceful future. With its sensitive depiction of the wronged Tess and powerful criticism of social convention, Tess of the D'Urbervilles, subtitled "A Pure Woman," is one of the most moving and poetic of Hardy's novels. Based on the three-volume first edition that shocked readers when first published in 1891, this edition includes as appendices: Hardy's Prefaces, the Landscapes of Tess, episodes originally censored from the Graphic periodical version, and a selection of the Graphic illustrations. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
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“The tragedy is that some of us choose to fight the tide, while others simply drown in it.”
Tess of the D'Urbervilles
By Thomas Hardy
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Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) was an English novelist and poet, renowned for his contributions to the literary landscape of the 19th and early 20th centuries. His notable works include classics such as 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles', 'Jude the Obscure', and 'Far from the Madding Crowd'. Hardy's writing is characterized by its exploration of tragic themes, complex characters, and a deep connection to rural life and the natural world. His unique style often blends realism with a sense of fatalism, reflecting the struggles of his characters against the constraints of society and circumstance.
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