Many nineteenth century reviewers were critical of Tess of the d'Urbervilles accusing Hardy of depicting immorality in the novel. In what ways might Nineteenth-century readers have found this novel 'immoral'?

Victorian Morality and its Tenets

Nineteenth-century Victorian society was characterized by a complex and often hypocritical moral framework. Several key tenets underpinned this morality:

• Sexual Repression: Premarital sex was considered a grave sin, particularly for women. Female chastity was paramount, and a woman’s reputation was her most valuable possession.
• Social Hierarchy: A rigid class system dictated social interactions and opportunities. Maintaining one’s social standing was crucial.
• Religious Piety: Evangelical Christianity heavily influenced moral values, emphasizing duty, self-discipline, and adherence to biblical principles.
• Domesticity: The ideal woman was seen as a domestic angel, devoted to her home and family.

How *Tess of the d'Urbervilles* Challenged Victorian Norms

The Depiction of Female Sexuality

Tess’s seduction by Alec d’Urberville was deeply unsettling to Victorian readers. The novel doesn’t shy away from the power imbalance inherent in the situation and the devastating consequences for Tess. The very act of depicting a woman’s sexual experience, even one forced upon her, was considered taboo. The focus on Tess’s internal experience and her struggle with guilt further complicated matters, as Victorian literature often presented ‘fallen’ women as either repentant or entirely villainous.

The ‘Fallen Woman’ Trope and its Subversion

Victorian literature frequently featured the “fallen woman,” but typically as a cautionary tale. Hardy, however, presents Tess with sympathy and complexity. While acknowledging her transgression, he emphasizes the societal forces that contributed to her fate. He doesn’t offer a simple moral judgment, instead portraying Tess as a victim of circumstance and patriarchal structures. This nuanced portrayal challenged the conventional narrative of female sin and redemption.

Social Class and Hypocrisy

The novel critiques the hypocrisy of the Victorian upper classes. Angel Clare’s idealized view of rural life and his subsequent rejection of Tess upon learning of her past reveal a deep-seated class prejudice. Hardy exposes the double standards that allowed men to indulge in sexual experiences while condemning women for the same actions. The contrast between Tess’s hard labor and Angel’s privileged background highlights the inequalities of the Victorian social system.

Religious Doubt and Questioning of Divine Justice

Hardy’s portrayal of religion is far from reverent. The novel questions the existence of a benevolent God in the face of Tess’s suffering. Angel’s initial religious fervor gives way to disillusionment, and Tess’s own faith is shattered by her experiences. This questioning of divine justice was considered blasphemous by many Victorian readers who held strong religious beliefs.

Naturalism and Determinism

The novel’s naturalistic elements, emphasizing the influence of heredity and environment on human behavior, further challenged Victorian notions of free will and moral responsibility. Hardy suggests that Tess is, to a large extent, a product of her circumstances, diminishing the idea that she is solely accountable for her actions. This deterministic view clashed with the Victorian belief in individual agency and moral accountability.