Tess of the D’Urbervilles: A Victim of Social Injustice and Male Dominance

This paper analyses how Thomas Hardy's novel “Tess of the D'Urbervilles” portrays the struggles of women within the patriarchal society of Victorian England. It explores the themes of class and gender inequality, highlighting the limitations imposed upon women by societal norms and expectations. The narrative focuses on Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman who becomes a victim of both male dominance and the rigid social hierarchy of her time. Through close textual analysis and a feminist theoretical framework, the research examines how Tess’s interactions with male characters like Alec d'Urberville and Angel Clare exemplify the oppressive structures that define her relationships and ultimately shape her tragic fate. The study also considers the interplay of chance and circumstances in influencing Tess's trajectory, showcasing how her purity and resilience are challenged by the harsh realities of Victorian morality and societal prejudices. The paper argues that Tess's journey serves as a powerful critique of the injustices prevalent in Victorian society, particularly the sexual double standards and the devaluation of women based on their social status and perceived purity. By examining the novel through these lenses, this research offers a deeper understanding of Hardy's engagement with socio-political issues and his profound commentary on women's enduring struggle for recognition, autonomy, and justice. Keywords: Struggle, women, rigid, harsh, Circumstances, relationship etc.