Comment on the theme of the old social order versus the new in Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles.

The Rigid Victorian Social Order

The Victorian era was characterized by a strict moral code, particularly concerning sexuality and women’s roles. This code, deeply rooted in religious beliefs and patriarchal structures, dictated that women should be pure and submissive. Hardy meticulously portrays this order through characters like Mrs. d’Urberville and the villagers of Mellstock. Mrs. d’Urberville embodies the superficiality of social climbing and the obsession with lineage, while the villagers represent the judgmental and unforgiving nature of rural communities.

Tess as a Victim of the Old Order

Tess Durbeyfield is presented as a victim of this rigid system. Her ‘fall’ – the seduction by Alec d’Urberville – is not a moral failing in Hardy’s eyes, but a consequence of societal circumstances and male exploitation. The novel highlights the double standard prevalent at the time: Alec faces no social repercussions for his actions, while Tess is ostracized and branded as ‘fallen’. This ostracism prevents her from fully participating in society and ultimately contributes to her tragic fate.

Marriage and Social Expectations

Marriage in *Tess of the d’Urbervilles* is not presented as a romantic ideal but as a social and economic contract. Angel Clare, initially idealized as a progressive figure, is ultimately bound by the conventions of his time. His rejection of Tess upon learning of her past demonstrates the power of societal expectations and the limitations of even well-intentioned individuals within the old order. The novel contrasts Tess’s genuine desire for love and companionship with the societal pressures that dictate who she can and cannot marry.

The Emerging ‘New’ and its Limitations

While Hardy critiques the old order, he doesn’t offer a clear vision of a utopian alternative. Angel Clare represents a potential for change, with his intellectualism and rejection of traditional farming practices. However, even he is unable to fully transcend the societal norms that condemn Tess. The novel suggests that the ‘new’ is still heavily influenced by the ‘old’, and true liberation remains elusive. The rise of industrialization, subtly present in the novel, also contributes to the disruption of the traditional agrarian lifestyle, but doesn’t necessarily lead to greater freedom or equality.

Nature as a Counterpoint

Hardy frequently uses nature as a counterpoint to the oppressive social order. The natural world offers Tess moments of solace and freedom, away from the judgmental gaze of society. However, even nature is not entirely benevolent; it can be harsh and unforgiving, mirroring the indifference of the universe to human suffering. This ambiguity reinforces the novel’s complex portrayal of the relationship between humanity and its environment.

Class and Social Hierarchy

The novel also explores the impact of class on individual lives. The Durbeyfields are a family fallen on hard times, and their poverty makes them vulnerable to exploitation. The contrast between their struggles and the relative comfort of the wealthier characters highlights the inequalities inherent in Victorian society. Alec d’Urberville’s wealth and social status give him power over Tess, while Angel’s family’s position allows him a degree of social freedom that Tess lacks.

Old Social Order	New/Emerging Forces
Rigid morality, particularly regarding sexuality	Emerging ideas of individual freedom and sexual liberation (though limited)
Strict class hierarchy and social expectations	Industrialization and the decline of the agrarian lifestyle
Patriarchal structures and male dominance	Angel Clare’s initial progressive views (ultimately compromised)
Emphasis on reputation and social standing	A growing, though still suppressed, questioning of societal norms