Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Thomas Hardy’s *Tess of the d'Urbervilles* (1891) is a seminal work of Victorian literature, renowned for its exploration of societal hypocrisy and the plight of women. Tess Durbeyfield, the protagonist, is often viewed as a victim of circumstance, but her actions are complex and open to interpretation. The question of whether her major actions stem from a desire for social climbing or a deeper determination to exist is central to understanding the novel’s tragic arc. While the allure of social advancement undoubtedly plays a role, particularly in the context of Victorian England’s rigid class structure, a closer examination reveals that Tess’s primary motivation is a fundamental need for self-determination and a dignified existence, constantly thwarted by societal forces and personal misfortune.
The Argument for Social Climbing
It’s tempting to view Tess’s initial encounter with Alec d’Urberville as a calculated attempt to improve her family’s fortunes. Her mother’s discovery of their supposed noble lineage fuels a desire for social elevation, and Tess is sent to claim kinship with the wealthy d’Urbervilles. This can be interpreted as a pragmatic, albeit naive, attempt at social climbing. Similarly, her acceptance of Alec’s offer of employment, and subsequent seduction, could be seen as a means to secure financial stability for her family. Furthermore, her later relationship with Angel Clare, a man of higher social standing, might appear to be motivated by a desire for a more respectable and comfortable life.
The Primacy of Existential Determination
However, reducing Tess’s actions to mere social ambition overlooks the profound existential struggles that define her character. Tess’s ‘determination to exist’ manifests as a yearning for agency, respect, and a life free from the constraints imposed by Victorian morality and patriarchal structures. Her initial encounter with Alec isn’t driven by a calculated desire for wealth, but by a sense of duty towards her family and a desperate attempt to alleviate their poverty. The seduction, a traumatic event, strips her of her innocence and agency, and her subsequent actions are largely attempts to reclaim them.
Analyzing Key Events
- The Seduction by Alec d’Urberville: This isn’t a willing participation in social climbing, but a brutal loss of control. Tess is vulnerable and exploited, and her subsequent shame and guilt are indicative of a moral compass, not ambition.
- Marriage to Angel Clare: While Angel represents a potential escape from her past, Tess’s confession is not motivated by a desire to impress him, but by a desperate need for honesty and acceptance. Her fear of judgment and societal condemnation is paramount.
- Return to Alec: This is arguably the most complex and controversial of Tess’s actions. It’s not a calculated move for social gain, but a desperate attempt to secure financial support for Angel and his family after his abandonment. It’s a tragic consequence of her circumstances, driven by a sense of responsibility and a desire to protect those she loves.
- The Murder of Alec: This act is not born of ambition, but of a profound sense of injustice and a desperate attempt to reclaim her agency. Alec’s relentless pursuit and manipulation represent a final assault on her dignity and freedom.
The Societal Context
Hardy meticulously portrays a society that systematically denies women agency and subjects them to harsh moral judgments. Tess is constantly judged and ostracized for her past, regardless of her attempts to rebuild her life. This societal pressure, rather than a personal desire for social advancement, is the primary force shaping her actions. The novel critiques the hypocrisy of Victorian morality, which condemns women for transgressions while excusing similar behavior in men.
A Comparative Look at Tess and Other Victorian Heroines
| Character | Motivation | Social Context |
|---|---|---|
| Tess Durbeyfield | Existential determination, agency, respect | Victorian England, rigid class structure, patriarchal society |
| Jane Eyre (Charlotte Brontë) | Independence, self-respect, love on equal terms | Victorian England, limited opportunities for women |
| Estella Havisham (Great Expectations) | Social advancement (initially), emotional manipulation | Victorian England, emphasis on social status and wealth |
While Jane Eyre also seeks independence, her motivations are more focused on personal fulfillment and equality within a relationship. Estella, in contrast, is explicitly driven by a desire for social advancement, highlighting the difference in motivations between these characters and Tess.
Conclusion
Ultimately, while the possibility of social climbing flickers within Tess’s actions, it is demonstrably overshadowed by her fundamental desire to exist on her own terms, to be treated with dignity, and to find a place in a world that consistently denies her these basic rights. Her tragic fate is not a consequence of ambition, but of a society that relentlessly punishes her for circumstances beyond her control. Hardy’s masterpiece serves as a powerful indictment of Victorian morality and a poignant exploration of the human struggle for agency and self-determination.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.