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Tess of the d'Urbervilles

By Thomas Hardy
Series: Oxford World's Classics
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy tells the tragic story of Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman who, in an effort to reclaim her family's lost status, seeks out her aristocratic roots. Her encounter with the wealthy and spoiled Alec d'Urberville leads to seduction and suffering. Later, Tess finds love with Angel Clare, who represents hope and happiness, but her past casts a shadow over their future, forcing her to confront profound moral dilemmas. Hardy's exploration of societal hypocrisy and his portrayal of Tess as a symbol of purity made the novel both controversial and enduring.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3400

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Tess of the d'Urbervilles is suited for readers interested in classic literature, social criticism, and tragic romantic narratives. It appeals to those who appreciate deeply drawn characters and timeless explorations of morality and society.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

'She looked absolutely pure. Nature, in her fantastic trickery, had set such a seal of maidenhood upon Tess's countenance that he gazed at her with a stupefied air: "Tess- say it is not true! No, it is not true!"'

Young Tess Durbeyfield attempts to restore her family's fortunes by claiming their connection with the aristocratic d'Urbervilles. But Alec d'Urberville is a rich wastrel who seduces her and makes her life miserable. When Tess meets Angel Clare, she is offered true love and happiness, but her past catches up with her and she faces an agonising moral choice.

Hardy's indictment of society's double standards, and his depiction of Tess as 'a pure woman', caused controversy in his day and has held the imagination of readers ever since. Hardy thought it his finest novel, and Tess the most deeply felt character he ever created.

This unique critical text is taken from the authoritative Clarendon edition, which is based on the manuscript collated with all Hardy's subsequent revisions.

About the series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A wonderful book that asks many questions that are still relevant in today's world. – FictionFan

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780199537051

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 14 August 2008

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Oxford University Press

Illustration: two maps

Contributors:

  • Edited by Simon Gatrell
  • Edited by Juliet Grindle
  • Introduction by Penny Boumelha

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 339g

Pages: 496

Collections

Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Series: Oxford World's Classics Thomas Hardy

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