Short note on Sorrow’s Death and Burial
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 text, key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary Devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of Tess of the d'Urbervilles.
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Short note on Sorrow’s Death and Burial.
In “Tess of the D’Urbervilles” (1891) by Thomas Hardy (1840-1928), the death and burial of Tess’s son, Sorrow, also known as “Little Sorrow,” is a heart-touching and central moment in the story. Sorrow’s death draws another tragic event in Tess’s already difficult life.
Sorrow was born to Tess due to her unfortunate encounter with Alec D’Urberville. Despite his cruel origins, Tess adored her child deeply and tried her best to provide for him. However, Sorrow’s weak health and circumstances initially made his survival uncertain.
Tragically, Sorrow’s life is cut short when he falls ill and dies very young. This loss has a heavy impact on Tess. She is crushed by the death of her beloved son and is burdened with guilt and Sorrow.
The scene of Sorrow’s burial is poignant and emotionally charged. With the help of a kind stranger, Tess buries her child in a makeshift grave in the dead of night. Sorrow could not be buried in the churchyard due to his illegitimate birth. This hidden burial reflects the harsh social norms and judgmental attitudes of the time, which added to Tess’s anguish.
Sorrow’s death and burial signify the pervasive theme of suffering and injustice in Tess’s life. They act as a reminder of the social constraints and moral judgments that weigh heavily on Tess despite her innocence and good intentions. This event deepens Tess’s inner turmoil and contributes to the tragic trajectory of her life.
In conclusion, Sorrow’s death and burial are heartbreaking moments in the story. It highlights the relentless hardships faced by the supposed character. They also uphold the social injustices and moral dilemmas prevalent in the society of the time. It pushes Tess’s journey into a powerful and tragic exploration of human suffering.