“She had been made to break a necessary social law, but no law known to the environment in which she fancied herself such an anomaly.”-Explain
Tess of the d'Urbervilles is a notable literary work by Thomas Hardy. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of Tess of the d'Urbervilles.
Answer
She had been made to break a necessary social law, but no law known to the environment in which she fancied herself such an anomaly.
In “Tess of the D’Urbervilles” (1891), Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) informs us about the problematic situation that the main character, Tess, finds herself in.
Tess is a young woman who lives in a society with strict rules and expectations. The “necessary social law” cited in the quote refers to the idea that in her society, women were expected to remain pure and chaste until marriage. Breaking this law meant facing judgment and shame from others. However, the quote also highlights that Tess did not choose to break this law. She was put in a situation where she had no control. She might have thought of herself as different or unique in her environment. However, the laws of her society did not consider her circumstances. Tess’s dilemma is a common theme in literature. Sometimes, people find themselves in situations where they must make difficult choices due to circumstances beyond their control. In Tess’s case, she had to make tough decisions because of the actions of others. This quote reflects the injustice and limitations of Tess’s society. It shows how societal norms and expectations can be rigid and unforgiving. It makes life challenging for those who do not fit neatly into those expectations.
To sum up, this quote highlights the conflict between societal expectations and personal circumstances. Tess is forced to break a social law not of her own making. This quote reminds us of the challenges faced by individuals who find themselves at odds with the norms of their society.