Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Late Victorian England (roughly 1870-1901) was a period of immense social, economic, and technological change, masked by a veneer of strict moral codes and social propriety. Beneath this surface lay anxieties about declining religious faith, the changing role of women, and the widening gap between the classes. The concept of ‘decadence’ itself, popularised by writers like Walter Pater, referred to a perceived decline in moral and artistic values, often associated with artificiality and self-indulgence. Thomas Hardy’s *Tess of the D’Urbervilles* (1891), a tragic tale of a rural woman’s suffering, is often interpreted as a critique of this era. This essay will argue that the novel powerfully portrays the decadence of late Victorian England through its depiction of societal hypocrisy, the exploitation of women, and the erosion of traditional rural life.
The Hypocrisy of Victorian Morality
One of the most striking ways in which *Tess of the D’Urbervilles* exposes Victorian decadence is through its relentless critique of societal hypocrisy. The novel challenges the prevailing double standards regarding sexual morality. Tess is ostracized and judged harshly for being ‘ruined’ by Alec d’Urberville, while Alec himself faces little social consequence for his actions. This disparity highlights the Victorian obsession with female chastity and the willingness to condemn women while excusing male transgressions.
- The Angel Clare’s Idealization: Angel Clare’s initial idealization of Tess, followed by his rejection upon learning of her past, exemplifies the Victorian tendency to demand unattainable purity from women. His inability to reconcile his religious beliefs with Tess’s experience demonstrates the rigidity and impracticality of Victorian moral codes.
- The Role of Reputation: The importance placed on reputation within the rural community is another manifestation of this hypocrisy. Tess’s family is shamed not by the act itself, but by the social stigma attached to it.
The Exploitation of Women and Class Inequality
The novel vividly portrays the vulnerability of women, particularly those from lower social classes, to exploitation. Tess’s experiences with Alec d’Urberville are a direct consequence of her family’s economic hardship and her limited options. The D’Urberville family represents the decaying aristocracy exploiting the vulnerable working class.
- Agricultural Decline & Female Labor: The decline of agricultural life in Wessex forces Tess and her family into precarious economic situations, making them susceptible to exploitation. Women were often forced to take on arduous labor for meager wages, increasing their vulnerability.
- Tess as a Symbol: Tess herself becomes a symbol of the exploited working class, her fate inextricably linked to the economic and social forces of her time.
The Erosion of Traditional Rural Life
Hardy’s Wessex is not simply a picturesque rural setting; it is a world undergoing rapid and unsettling change. The novel laments the loss of traditional agricultural practices and the disintegration of rural communities. This sense of loss contributes to the overall feeling of decadence and decline.
- The Enclosure Movement: Though not directly depicted, the legacy of the Enclosure Movement, which had dispossessed many rural families of their land, hangs heavy over the novel. This historical context underscores the economic pressures faced by Tess’s family.
- The Rise of Industrialization: The encroaching influence of industrialization is subtly present, threatening the traditional way of life in Wessex. The novel suggests that this modernization comes at a cost, leading to social fragmentation and moral decay.
Religious Doubt and the Loss of Faith
The novel subtly questions the foundations of Victorian religious belief. Angel Clare’s initial faith is shaken by his experiences with Tess, and the indifference of the natural world to human suffering is a recurring motif. This reflects a growing sense of religious doubt prevalent in late Victorian England, fueled by scientific advancements and social criticism.
| Character | Religious Belief | Evolution of Belief |
|---|---|---|
| Angel Clare | Initially devout, idealistic | Shaken by Tess’s past, struggles with forgiveness |
| Tess Durbeyfield | Traditional, but questioning | Experiences disillusionment with religious institutions |
Conclusion
In conclusion, *Tess of the D’Urbervilles* offers a powerful and unflinching portrayal of the decadence of late Victorian England. Through its exploration of societal hypocrisy, the exploitation of women, the erosion of traditional rural life, and the questioning of religious faith, the novel exposes the dark underbelly of a seemingly prosperous and morally upright society. Hardy’s masterpiece serves as a poignant critique of Victorian values and a testament to the enduring power of social forces to shape individual destinies. The novel doesn’t simply depict decline; it interrogates the very foundations upon which Victorian society was built, leaving the reader to question the true cost of progress and propriety.
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.