Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy: Summary and Themes
Tess of the d'Urbervilles is a novel by Thomas Hardy, first published or performed around 1891. This study guide gives a summary, themes and revision tips.
Summary
A young woman is destroyed by social hypocrisy and cruel fate.
Key Themes
The main themes are fate, purity and society.
Quick Facts
| Title | Tess of the d'Urbervilles |
|---|---|
| Author | Thomas Hardy |
| Date | 1891 |
| Form | novel |
Study Questions
- How does Thomas Hardy present the theme of fate?
- Which characters or images best express the central ideas of Tess of the d'Urbervilles?
- How does the novel form shape the reader's response?