Decoding Forgetting: A Semiotic Reading of Memory in Thomas Hardy’s “Tess’s Lament”

Thomas Hardy’s “Tess’s Lament” (1901) has often been read within the context of Victorian societal norms, particularly concerning women’s challenges. While commonly examined alongside Hardy’s novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles, this paper takes a different approach; it examines the verse’s signs and symbols rather than focusing solely on historical and social contexts. Through a semiotic lens, this study aims to uncover the underlying meanings by dissecting the words and exploring the philosophical foundations of Hardy’s work. Contemporary theories of signification by Ferdinand de Saussure and Roland Barthes are emphasized, along with Nietzsche’s metaphorical dimensions, Laura Mulvey’s gaze theory, and gender perspectives from Simone de Beauvoir and Judith Butler are also explored. Eventually, the analysis reveals how Tess embodies philosophical aspects throughout the narrative, offering a deeper appreciation of the complexities in Hardy's work through the hidden meanings within the expressions.