Tess of the d’Urbervilles
English Coursework
What does Hardy’s narrative technique tell us about his views on life?
“Tess Durbeyfield at this time of her life was a mere vessel of emotion untinctured by experience.” At the beginning of the novel, this quote was entirely true. However, as the novel ensues and the plot gradually unfolds, Tess becomes tainted by the ill experience she encounters in her life. An unembellished country girl from the outset, Tess Durbeyfield of the D’Urberville lineage begins her journey of sin and ill-fated encounters, forcing her to mature unexpectedly and rapidly, concluding in her final demise at the end of the moving novel.
The story of Tess of the d’Urbervilles was written by the famous English poet and novelist, Thomas Hardy. Hardy, born in Higher Bockhampton near Dorchester in 1840 grew up experiencing a comfortable lifestyle and gained a reputable education; encouraging him to write widely recognised novels such as Far From the Madding Crowd and TheMayor of Casterbridge. Tess of the D’Urbervilles was initially contracted for serialisation in several newspapers around the world, later being published in its entirety as the book we know today. At the time of writing, Britain, especially the agricultural region of Wessex, a fictional county which Hardy himself created based on the Dorset region he grew up in, had undergone serious economic and social change, mainly descending from the industrialisation that was gradually asphyxiating the area of its traditional, time consumingpastimes.
The narrative technique, we, as a reader, encounter in Tess of the d’Urbervilles is particularly noticeable and plays a key role in the story, as in any novel. Narrative technique is how a story is told and varies exclusivelybetween each author. It is therefore on this basis we can use the narrative technique used in a novelto tell us about the author; including their views on life as the things they write about, or how they write about them are incontestably influenced by their own experiences or views. The narrative technique used in a story is also very important as to a readers understanding of a novel; helping a reader to comprehend the concept of setting, time period and also the characters themselves. It is especially important in Tess of the d’Urbervilles as the setting of the novel is during the 19th century, a time period very different to today in which people would share different views from those we hold nowadays. It therefore helps to influence the way the reader interprets certain events throughout the course of the novel, as it is important that we understand the narrative and also to aid us in looking at things from the perspective of the time period the novel is set in.
One of the prominent and effective techniques Hardy uses in Tess of the d’Urbervilles is the use of Setting. Hardy created the fictional county of Wessex, around the region of Dorset where he lived for most of his life. This helps to give the novel a more realistic approach as it is based on an actual place, especially as Hardy lived in the area and knew it well. Most of Hardy’s work takes place in Wessex which has allowed him to develop the ‘county’, up to the point where one would believe that it could be real, creating a sense of verisimilitude. The descriptions of setting throughout the novel are important to the reader as they help to interpret characters actions; normally a high-spirited mood is accompanied by a beautiful summer’s day. This also relates to the actions of characters as they are far more likely to be jovial when the sun is shining; very similar to ordinary everyday life. Weather is also a very important factor in the novel, helping the reader to contemplate why a character is acting in such a way, and often foreshadowing certain events. Using setting as a focal point to moods and events in the novel is very effective in helping the audience to understand what is going on; a sense of excitement and tension is built when the clouds roll over and it begins to rain; the audience would understand that this is an omen there is something bad lurking around the corner. Hardy goes into extreme detail in describing different locations such as the “Vale of Blackmore or Blackmoor”, showing that he feels the setting is very important untoward the actions and moods of characters in the novel. A very clear example of how setting, exclusively the weather, is used as a narrative technique in the novel is during Phase the Sixth. Having eloped to Brazil to work on a farm, Angel had befriended another English farmer. After talking to his new found companion about his problem with Tess and receiving some advice, “The next day they were drenched in a thunder-storm. Angel’s companion was struck down with fever, and died by the weeks end.” The story drastically and suddenly lurches into a negative aspect. Here the setting, a thunderstorm, marks the death of Angel’s companion; a regular theme which occurs throughout the course of the novel.
Another narrative technique Hardy uses in Tess of the D’Urbervilles is reference to religion and myth. At the time of writing, the people of Britain were expected to live their lives in accordance to the Bible. This is reflected throughout the novel, with Tess continually going against the ethics of the Bible; for example, the illegitimate birth of Sorrow. This occurs as one of the main themes in the book, perhaps if Tess had lived by the Bible like many others, she may not have experienced the trouble she did in her life. Part of the storyline was also influenced by religion; the original was not allowed to be published until the mention of rape and the birth of Sorrow was cut from the novel completely. Life in rural Britain was full of superstitions and old folk myths, lack of education helped to keep these beliefs far longer than more developed towns due to lack of lateral thinking. Hardy remarks that there was “a gap of two hundred years” between the simple country folk and the educated townspeople in terms of understanding, saying the “Jacobean and the Victorian ages were juxtaposed”. Again, this point is also reflected in the novel; constant references are made to myths, some which would seem ridiculous today. An example of a myth found in the book is during the first phase. After consulting the “Compleat Fortune-Teller”, Mrs Durbeyfield insists that it is kept out of the house as she held “A curious fetishistic fear” of the possible bad luck it may bring. By incorporating these myths and religious aspects of life, Hardy has shown that the time he lived in was much influenced by these factors. A simple country folks’ beliefs contrast to the presumed ‘education’ of the upper classes. However, the question is raised that education i.e. Angel, doesn’t necessarily make you a better person. The opposite idea is also true for Tess. This perhaps tells us that Hardy may have thought that education was not all it was not as credible as it was made out to be at the time.
Characterisation and the ways the characters communicate in the novel are also very important. Tess, as reflected in the original title was a “Pure Woman”. However, the irony of the statement becomes apparent and amplifies as the story matures. Tess is portrayed as a stereotypical country girl, blending in with her natural surroundings; a ‘daughter of the earth’. Alec d’Urberville is a counterfeit by name and identity. Having taken the name d’Urberville from a headstone in a graveyard he has taken all of the integrity and supposed ‘power’ with it. He and Angel almost ‘hunt’ the poor defenceless creature that is Tess, each adding to her final demise. Angel Clare has an uncomfortable portrayal, not aware of the effect he has on people. There is a clear example of this at Talbothay’s dairy when he kisses goodbye his three former work colleagues, Marian, Retty and Izz. Although it was an innocent kiss, after leaving, Marian turns into an alcoholic and Retty attempts to drown herself. Angel is an idealist and all along seeks the company of Tess because he feels she is what a proper woman should be; it is only at the end he discovers his true love for her. Hardy has reflected the two men upon the stereotypical man at the time; one where women were supposed to be the ‘backbone’ of the relationship. It also becomes clear that neither man can survive without the stability and fulfilment Tess provides. Here, Hardy is reflecting on the importance of the female character at the time, showing that he believed that they were important and should be valued as equals to men; these views would have contradicted many beliefs at the time.
The ways characters communicate is another successful technique used by Hardy. “Come to me – come to me, and save me from what threatens me!” Letter writing is a particularly distinguishable method used by Hardy in Tess of the d’Urbervilles; it is also a very useful one. As the narration has nothing to do with any of the characters, we cannot get a totally reliable and true account of their feelings. Therefore by using letters, we can see exactly what a character is thinking, allowing us to become more emotionally linked with them. Dialogue between characters is also useful as it lets the reading audience make assumptions based on actual thoughts and feelings of the characters, instead of relying on the interpretation Hardy has given through the omniscient narration. It also allows them to interpret the way the characters act the way they do, and understand why. Poems and songs also play a vital role in helping the audience to do this.
Industrialisation was creeping over Wessex both in the novel at the time of narration; this was also accompanied by social and economic change. It is well accounted during the novel; one of the most obvious signs of industrialisation is the contrast between “The Slopes”, Tess’ first place of work and Talbothays dairy. “The house was overrun with ivy, its chimney being enlarged by the boughs of the parasite to the aspect of a ruined tower”. The rather ornamental and modest surroundings at Trantridge farm were distinctly opposite to the “Vale of Great Dairies”; “Long thatched sheds stretched round the enclosure, their slopes encrusted with vividgreen moss”. It was important for Hardy to portray change in the novel so the reading audience at the time could relate to it. Also, he may have done this to show that as the surroundings around her changed, so did Tess. The ‘daughter of the earth’ statement could show that as the natural environment around Tess becomes less and less significant, Tess is no longer surrounded by the spirit of nature that once protected her; Perhaps signifying her demise.
The final narrative technique Hardy uses in Tess of the D’Urbervilles is the narration he chooses to use. The omniscient narrator, a ‘God like’ narrator which overlooks all the action happening in the novel, indirectly reflects to the reading audience action and emotions portrayed by the characters. This type of narration is particularly useful in telling us about Hardy’s views on life as it is actually him narrating, not one of the characters. Therefore the things he says as the narrator are linked to his own views on life. Although the narration cannot tell us everything about how a character is feeling at a particular moment in time, Hardy overcomes this by using letters written by the characters and also the use of dialogue to show their true feelings. It also prevents us from becoming too emotionally attached to one of the characters, and also gives us an insight into the lives of other characters; something that would not be done if Tess was narrator for example. Also, the type of narration allows Hardy to go into great detail about places and people, and also to make reference to other works of literature, or indeed the Bible. Examples of the use of narration can be found throughout the novel.
Looking back at Hardy’s use of setting, we can analyse this techniques to uncover some of his views on life. A prime example is during Phase the first when Tess is raped. “Darkness and silence ruled everywhere around. Above them rose the primeval yews and oaks of the chase”. It appears to be that Hardy has obscured this horrific event from the eyes of nature and God, the darkness and fog preventing their view of the event. This tells us that Hardy believed that once you have undergone such an event, you were no longer acceptable in the eyes of God and nature; a reoccurring theme throughout the book; for example when Tess is rejected from church; “The people who had turned their heads turned them again as the service proceeded; and at last observing her they whispered to each other. She knew what their whispers were about, grew sick at heart, and felt that she could come to church no more.” Hardy’s description of the countryside, particularly Marlott; “This fertile and sheltered tract of country, in which the fields are never brown and springs never dry”, helps us to build a vivid and fresh picture of the countryside he is describing. This portrays to us that Hardy saw the countryside as a ‘haven’ to himself, appreciating the countryside in which he lived for a significant time in his life. A final example is during chapter 3; Hardy describes the Durbeyfield’s local public house, Rolliver’s, as a place where “souls expanded beyond their skins, and spread their personalities warmly through the room”. Hardy creates an upbeat, socialistic atmosphere at the pub, a place of comfort; “its furniture grew more and more dignified and luxurious”; unity and friendship. Although Hardy is describing a pub, he is actually showing his view that he feels socialising and friendship are very important in life; portraying these feelings in this type of location would have helped to put this view across to the audience then. The friendship between Tess and her fellow colleagues at Talbothay’s would prove very important to her later in the novel. Hardy describes the abode of Tess and her family as ‘womblike’ where everyday life does not affect the goings on inside the house, where Mrs Durbeyfield sang songs which Tess knew “well - so well”. Here we can learn that Hardy believes that indeed ‘There is no place like home’, showing his view that he thought family life was of great importance.
“I am Parson Tringham, the antiquary, of Stagfoot Lane. Don’t you really know, Durbeyfield, that you are the lineal representative of the ancient and knightly family of the d’Urbervilles”. Mr Durbeyfield is informed of his ancestry by an “elderly parson”. Although Mr Durbeyfield has probably never met this man, he believes in what he is telling him because he is a man of religion; supposedly one who would never lie. Hardy is showing here two things, the importance and presence of religion in people’s lives, and also the naivety of the country people at the time. Just because he is parson, John Durbeyfield believes what he tells him. Hardy is continuously making reference to the Bible throughout the novel. An effective and powerful example of this occurs while Tess and Angel leave Talbothay’s after being wed. A cock crows three times as they are leaving the farm, something very unusual for the time of the day that they were in; “An afternoon crow!”. This event occurred in the bible when Peter denied knowledge of Jesus 3 times, each accompanied by the crow of a cock; an ill fated sign for Jesus when he knew his time was now up; also spelling the gradual demise for Tess. Reference to the Bible shows us that Hardy was quite a religious man, and believed that everyone should live by the Bible like many people at the time. Alec D’Urberville who refused religion at the beginning and Tess who sinned many times seemed doomed from the start. Amongst religious beliefs, Hardy also incorporates many myths and superstitions, most of which were thought as true at the time of writing. For example, when the milk doesn’t churn at Talbothay’s dairy, it is believed that “someone is in love”. Also, during Tess’ time at Talbothay’s, it is believed that cows milked better with music, something which may hold some truth. Incorporating the widely known myths into the story shows us that Hardy played an active part in the time period – and also perhaps again showing the naivety of the country folk. Fate also plays a key part in the entire novel, “once a victim, always a victim”. The foreshadowing of events is also very regular in the novel, Tess is carried into a coffin by Angel; Angel tells Tess he feels he cannot love her until Alec is dead. This depicts to us that Hardy was a believer in fate, thus explaining why Tess is ‘hunted’ by bad luck and her inevitable fall. In contrast to the views of the time, Hardy may be questioning the real strength of religion when Alec willingly relinquishes his new found religion for Tess. At the commencement of phase the sixth, Alec, appearing a changed man with his “neatly trimmed” moustache and “half-clerical” appearance tells Tess that “I felt that of all the persons in the world whom it was my duty and desire to save from the wrath to come – sneer if you like- the woman whom I had so grievously wronged was that person”. Although it seems that Alec had altered, after being told by Tess that “I hate it” (religion), Alec rather casually rejects religion for the sake of love for Tess. Aforementioned, Hardy could be questioning the strength of religion in every day life; if it could be sacrificed so easily, was it as almighty and powerful as everybody believed? However, he may also be showing the power of love, after all, Alec had just given up his “jolly new idea” of religion for the sake of his much loved Tess. Hardy may be reminding us here of the proverb ‘A leopard never changes its spots”. A famous myth states that “It is unlucky to meet a cat, a dog, or a woman, when going out first in the morning. But unlucky above all is to meet a woman with red in her hair first thing in the morning when going on a journey, for her presence brings ill-luck.” Upon our first encounter of Tess, she is marked with a “red ribbon in her hair”, another very ill-fated omen, this one very prematurely in the novel suggesting nothing but hardship for Tess. This portrays to us that Hardy was a firm believer in ominous signs, incorporating them into everyday life. Further ominous signs appear a little further on in the novel, for instance when Tess becomes “splashed from face to skirt with the crimson drops” that are the blood of Prince, the family’s horse. The ominous sign of red on white is wholly unpropitious, especially at the time of writing. This foreshadows the further down side to Tess’ life, adjoined with the narrators comment that she regarded herself in “the light of a murderess” at the end of the chapter. Thus it is very clear from the extensive examples given by Hardy that he was a common believer in fate and foreshadowing, like most people at the time.