Thomas Hardy’s novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles was published in 1891, a time coined by change in technique and sciences. The English naturalist Darwin established his theory about evolution and natural selection, and physicists discovered that there are fixed elemental laws which inanimate objects follow. These discoveries also spread in the domains of humanities. In his essay “The Experimental Novel”, published in 1880, the French writer Émile Zola claims that the scientific method, which is observation and experimentation, can and should be applied to literature as well. He argues that writers can experiment with their characters like scientists do with their objects of study by placing them into certain surroundings and changing some conditions in the fictional world. These different surroundings and conditions then will determine the novel’s course. Thus, Zola concludes that if the inanimate world is fixed by certain laws, “[a] like determinism will govern . . . the brain of a man” (17) and the character’s fate is already fixed by the novel’s setting.
The subtitle of Tess of the D’Urbervilles – “A Pure Woman” – has aroused a need for discussion in the Victorian Age as well as today. There are “[t]hose who thought the ‘little harlot’ deserved hanging . . . [and] those who pitied her as a ‘poor wronged innocent’” (Hardy 2003, xix). The question of guilt is a central theme in Hardy’s novel. Is Tess “more sinned against than sinning” (232)? Having Zola’s theory in mind, it is rather the first that applies for Tess’s story.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 The Inevitability of Fate – A Word on Determinism
3 Tess as a Victim of Deterministic Forces
3.1 The Inevitable Way to the Fallen Woman
3.2 Determinism after the Rape
3.3 The Deterministic Force of Angel Clare
4 Tess’s Attempts to Act – The Interference of a Transcendental Power
5 Conclusion
6 Works Cited
6.1 Primary Literature
6.2 Secondary Literature
Research Objective and Themes
This paper examines the extent to which Thomas Hardy’s protagonist in "Tess of the D’Urbervilles" is a victim of preordained forces, specifically focusing on how biological, social, and supernatural determinism dictate her tragic fate despite her individual attempts at agency.
- Application of deterministic scientific theories to Victorian literature.
- The influence of biological heredity and psychological predispositions.
- The role of rigid Victorian social and moral codes on individual life paths.
- The clash between personal agency and transcendental forces like Fate.
- Analysis of Tess’s relationships with Alec D’Urberville and Angel Clare as deterministic triggers.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 The Inevitable Way to the Fallen Woman
Assuming that the sexual encounter in the Chase is not the result of mere persuasion, there must be other causes which determine Tess to be raped. The most obvious one is Tess’s visit to the Stroke-D’Urbervilles to claim kinship. One might think this being a coincidence but her going to her assumed relatives is determined by certain factors. It is her father’s irresponsibility which sets the ball rolling and brings about Tess’s going to Trantridge. As Mr Durbeyfield is drunk and thus cannot drive the bee hives to the retailers, it is Tess who has to take over the task. After a long day of dancing and childcare and a short night, it is natural, indeed, that Tess falls asleep, but it is also preordained by the mentioned factors. Due to her falling asleep, she blames herself alone for the horse Prince’s death. The “self-reproach which she continue[s] to heap upon herself for her negligence in falling asleep” (Hardy 2003, 34) combined with her conscientiousness toward her family determine Tess psychologically. Both cause Tess to be willing to do everything to remake her mistake. Her bad consciousness and “[t]he oppressive sense of the harm she [has] . . . done [lead] . . . Tess to be more deferential than she might otherwise have been to the maternal whish” (36) to go to the supposed relatives to claim kinship.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter introduces the scientific and philosophical context of determinism in the late 19th century and presents the thesis that Tess is a victim of preordained forces.
2 The Inevitability of Fate – A Word on Determinism: The author defines key philosophical concepts like Fatalism and Determinism, distinguishing them from active choice and establishing their influence on individual character development.
3 Tess as a Victim of Deterministic Forces: This central chapter analyzes how environmental, biological, and social factors systematically trap Tess in a cycle of misfortune and victimization.
3.1 The Inevitable Way to the Fallen Woman: This section explores how economic necessity, family dynamics, and physical traits force Tess into the encounter with Alec D’Urberville.
3.2 Determinism after the Rape: This part examines how religious guilt and social stigmatization after the traumatic event continue to restrict Tess’s life choices and psychological state.
3.3 The Deterministic Force of Angel Clare: This section details how Angel Clare’s idealization of Tess and his adherence to archaic social conventions ultimately contribute to her downfall.
4 Tess’s Attempts to Act – The Interference of a Transcendental Power: The author discusses moments of free will and revolt by the protagonist, arguing that they are ultimately crushed by a malignant, supernatural fate.
5 Conclusion: The paper concludes that Tess’s tragedy is the culmination of various intersecting deterministic forces, leaving her without a genuine chance to change her fate.
6 Works Cited: A collection of the primary and secondary literature used for the analysis.
6.1 Primary Literature: Lists the specific editions of Thomas Hardy's work referenced in the paper.
6.2 Secondary Literature: Lists the scholarly articles and essays used to support the argument.
Keywords
Determinism, Fatalism, Thomas Hardy, Tess of the D’Urbervilles, Victorian Age, Heredity, Social Codes, Moralism, Agency, Tragedy, Fate, Sexuality, Victimization, Angel Clare, Alec D’Urberville
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the philosophical concept of determinism within Thomas Hardy’s "Tess of the D’Urbervilles," analyzing how external and internal forces dictate the protagonist's tragic life.
What are the primary thematic fields addressed?
The core themes include biological heredity, the impact of Victorian social and moral conventions, the nature of fate, and the struggle between individual agency and preordained circumstances.
What is the primary objective of the research?
The objective is to prove that Tess is not merely a tragic hero by choice, but a victim trapped by "competing vectors of force" beyond her control.
Which scientific and philosophical frameworks are utilized?
The author applies Émile Zola’s "experimental novel" approach, Darwinian concepts of natural selection, and general philosophical doctrines of Fatalism and Determinism.
What is the focus of the main body?
The main body breaks down the specific "deterministic forces," including the role of her family and economic status, the traumatic impact of the rape, and the restrictive influence of the men in her life, Alec and Angel.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Determinism, Victorian morality, heredity, tragic fate, and the subversion of free will.
Does the author acknowledge any room for free will in Tess's life?
Yes, the paper acknowledges that Tess occasionally makes active choices, such as writing the letter or calling at the Vicarage, but argues that these actions are ultimately rendered futile by a malignant, supernatural fate.
How does the author interpret the role of Angel Clare in Tess’s downfall?
The paper argues that Angel’s idealization of Tess as a pure, goddess-like figure makes him incapable of accepting her reality, thereby acting as a crucial deterministic force that leads to her rejection and ultimate demise.
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- Jana Cramer (Autor:in), 2013, Tess's Tragedy: "It Was to Be", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/266171
