Compare and contrast the character of Angel and Alec

Answer

Compare and contrast the character of Angel and Alec. How do they bring tragedy in Tess’ life?

In “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” (1891), Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) shows how two men—Alec d’Urberville and Angel Clare—change the life of Tess forever. Both men come into her life at different times. Both men leave a deep mark on her journey. Alec brings suffering, while Angel brings love, but also rejection. Tess’s story becomes tragic mainly because of their actions. Hardy also uses Alec and Angel to show how society treats women unfairly.

Alec Ruins Tess’s Life: Tess first meets Alec when her family sends her to the nearby d’Urberville family to seek help. Tess’s parents think they are their noble relatives. In reality, Alec’s family is a fake d’Urberville. They only bought the name.

Alec is a lustful man. He takes advantage of Tess’s innocence. One night, when returning from a nearby town, Alec takes her into the woods and rapes her. Alec’s crime ruins her life. After that, she never becomes truly happy. Tess did not know the danger men possess. After returning to her family, Tess tells her mother:

“Why didn’t you tell me there was danger in men-folk?”

Tess gives birth to Alec’s child, Sorrow, who soon dies. Society does not see Tess as a victim. Instead, society blames her for giving birth without marriage. Alec’s crime ruins her and will haunt her throughout her life.

Angel’s Love and Rejection: Later, Tess goes to work at Talbothays Dairy. There, she meets Angel Clare. Angel is different from Alec. He is kind and simple. They fall in love with each other deeply. Tess becomes hopeful again and starts to dream of a happy future.

However, Tess is afraid of her tragic past. She thinks she is not worthy of Angel. So, she decides to tell him everything by writing a letter. Tess sends the letter under Angel’s door. Unfortunately, the letter slips under the carpet. Angel never reads it. On the