Topic Notes

• Do you consider Tess as a pure woman? Comment on the factors responsible for the tragedy of Tess.Do you consider Tess as a pure woman? Give reasons for your answer. [NU: 2016, 18, 20, 22] ★★★ The subtitle of Thomas Hardy’s (1840-1928) famous novel “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” (1891) says, “A Pure[Expand...]
• "Tess is more sinned against than sinning." Do you agree?"Tess is more sinned against than sinning." Do you agree? The statement "Tess is more sinned against than sinning" reveals the complex moral landscape in Thomas Hardy's (1840-1928) novel, "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" (1891). This[Expand...]
• Thomas Hardy's treatment of nature in Tess of the D'Urbervilles. Bring out the dominant role nature plays in the novel “Tess of the D’Urbervilles.” [NU: 2017, 21] Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) loved nature deeply. In “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” (1891), nature is not just the background[Expand...]
• Thomas Hardy a pessimist or a realist?Would you call Hardy a pessimist? Justify your answer with reference to Tess of the d'Urbervilles. Or, Discuss Hardy's pessimistic view is evident in Tess of the D'Urbervilles. Or, Would you call Thomas Hardy a[Expand...]
• "When they were together the Jacobean and the Victorian ages were juxtaposed."-Explain.When they were together the Jacobean and the Victorian ages were juxtaposed. In "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" (1891), Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) addresses two periods, the Jacobean and the Victorian ages, being "juxtaposed" when certain characters[Expand...]
• "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."-ExplainShe 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)[Expand...]
• "Remember, I was your master once! I will be your master again. If you are any man's wife you are mine!"-Explain.Remember, I was your master once! I will be your master again. If you are any man's wife you are mine! In "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" (1891) by Thomas Hardy (1840-1928), these words are spoken[Expand...]
• "Too late, too late! Don't come close to me. Angel! No - you must not."-ExplainToo late, too late! Don't come close to me. Angel! No - you must not. In "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" (1891) by Thomas Hardy (1840-1928), these words are spoken by Tess, the main character. She[Expand...]
• "O merciful, God, have pity; have pity upon my poor baby!"-Explain.O merciful, God, have pity; have pity upon my poor baby! In "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" (1891) by Thomas Hardy (1840-1928), Tess, the main character, speaks these words in a challenging and sad situation.  Tess[Expand...]
• “Whip me, crush me; you need not mind those people under the rick! I shall not cry out. Once victim, always victim, that's the law.”-Explain.Whip me, crush me; you need not mind those people under the rick! I shall not cry out. Once victim, always victim, that's the law. In "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" (1891) by Thomas Hardy (1840-1928),[Expand...]
• Short note on the Significance of Prince’s Death.Write a short note on the significance of Prince’s Death. In "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" (1891) by Thomas Hardy (1840-1928), the death of Prince, a horse, holds significant symbolic and emotional value in the story.[Expand...]
• Write a short note on Tess’s coming “out of the frying-pan into the fireWrite a short note on Tess’s coming “out of the frying-pan into the fire.” In "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" (1891) by Thomas Hardy (1840-1928), there is a moment where Tess experiences what is often depicted[Expand...]
• Short note on Sorrow’s Death and BurialWhat do you know about Sorrow's death and burial? [NU: 2022] In Hardy's (1840-1928) novel “Tess of the d'Urbervilles” (1891), Sorrow was Tess’s little baby. He was born after Tess returned from Trantridge. Alec d’Urberville[Expand...]
• Short note on Angel Clare’s Sleep-walking sceneShort note on Angel Clare’s Sleep-walking scene. In "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" (1891) by Thomas Hardy (1840-1928),  one of the most memorable and haunting scenes is Angel Clare's sleepwalking episode. This scene happens during a[Expand...]
• Short note on Wessex NovelShort note on Wessex Novel. In "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" (1891) by Thomas Hardy (1840-1928),  The term "Wessex Novel" is closely associated with the famous English author Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) and is particularly evident in[Expand...]
• The Role Of Fate In Tess Of The D'urbervillesDiscuss the role of fate and chance as depicted in the novel “Tess of the D’Urbervilles.” [NU: 2015, 19, 21] ★★★ Thomas Hardy’s (1840-1928) novel “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” (1891) shows how fate and chance[Expand...]
• The factors responsible for the tragedy of TessWho is more responsible for Tess’s death? [NU: 2017, 19] ★★★ In Hardy’s (1840-1928) novel “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” (1891), Tess is a pure woman. But she suffers a lot because of the wrong done[Expand...]
• The influence of Alec and Angel on the life of Tess Discuss the influence of Alec and Angel on the life of Tess. [NU: 2019, 22] ★★★ In “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” (1891), Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) shows how two men—Alec d’Urberville and Angel Clare—change the life[Expand...]
• Why does Tess agree to marry AngelWhy did Tess agree to marry Angel? [NU: 2018, 20] ★★★ In “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” (1891) by Thomas Hardy (1840-1928), Tess loves Angel Clare deeply. She agrees to marry Angel even though she feels[Expand...]
• What situation led Tess to murder AlecWhat situation led Tess to murder Alec? [NU: 2016, 20] ★★★ In Hardy's (1840-1928) novel “Tess of the d'Urbervilles” (1891), Alec is the man who ruins Tess’s life. At the end of the novel, Tess[Expand...]
• What do you know about Angel's sleepwalking scene Describe the sleepwalking scene. [NU: 2015] In “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” (1891) by Thomas Hardy (1840-1928), the sleepwalking scene happens in Phase the Fifth, Chapter 37. In this scene, Angel Clare walks in his sleep[Expand...]
• How was Prince killed in Tess of the D'UrbervillesHow was Prince killed and what is its significance in “Tess of the D'Urbervilles?” [NU: 2014] In Thomas Hardy's (1840-1928) novel “Tess of the d'Urbervilles” (1891), Prince is a horse. The horse is very valuable[Expand...]
• Compare and contrast the character of Angel and AlecCompare 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[Expand...]
• What led Tess to go to the d’Urbervilles at Trantridge? What led Tess to go to the d’Urbervilles at Trantridge? [NU: 2014, 22] In Thomas Hardy’s (1840-1928) novel “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” (1891), Tess is the protagonist. She belongs to the poor Derbyfield family. Tess[Expand...]
• How does Tess fall into the fire from a frying pan?How does Tess fall into the fire from a frying pan? [NU: 2015, 21] The saying “from the frying pan into the fire” means going from a bad situation to a worse one. This saying[Expand...]