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Tess of the D'Urbervilles Study Guide

by Thomas Hardy

Tess of the D'Urbervilles study guide contains a biography of Thomas Hardy, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles begins with the chance meeting between Parson Tringham and John Durbeyfield. The parson addresses the impoverished Durbeyfield as "Sir John," and remarks that he has just learned that the Durbeyfields are descended from the d'Urbervilles, a family once renowned in England. Although Parson Tringham mentions this only to note how the mighty have fallen, John Durbeyfield rejoices over the news. Durbeyfield arrives at home during the May Day dance, in which his daughter Tess dances. During this celebration, Tess happens to meet three brothers: Felix, Cuthbert and Angel Clare. Angel does not dance with Tess, but takes note of her as the most striking of the girls. When Tess arrives at home, she learns…

Read the full Tess of the D'Urbervilles Summary

• Tess of the D'Urbervilles Summary
• About Tess of the D'Urbervilles
• Character List
• Summary and Analysis of Phase 1, Chapters 1-11
• Summary and Analysis of Phase 2, Chapters 12-15
• Summary and Analysis of Phase 3, Chapters 16-24
• Summary and Analysis of Phase 4, Chapters 25-34
• Summary and Analysis of Phase 5, Chapters 35-44
• Summary and Analysis of Phase 6, Chapters 45-52
• Summary and Analysis of Phase 7, Chapters 53-59
• Related Links on Tess of the D'Urbervilles
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• Tess of the D'Urbervilles: Essays
• Tess of the D'Urbervilles: E-Text
• Tess of the D'Urbervilles: Questions
• Tess of the D'Urbervilles: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Thomas Hardy: Biography