The Fault in Our Blighted Stars: A Fallen Woman’s Destiny
Coincidences are relatively abundant throughout literature. Whether in the form of characters mysteriously appearing or storms occurring at the worst possible time, the stars always align in order to secure a tragic downfall. In Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles, some readers have scrutinized the events that transpire throughout the novel. They argue that the circumstances of Tess’s life were too “far-fetched” or improbable. However, when considering the novel beyond its minute details, it is clear that Hardy intended to write an effective social commentary. Although some argue that the incidents in Tess were implausibly coincidental, every event that occurred was necessary in …show more content…
Certain events and encounters occur simply because they illustrate a point or morale that Hardy is trying to convey. For example, when Tess runs into a zealous, religious painter, she questions religious views and says, “But suppose your sin was not of your own seeking?” (81). When the painter dismisses her question and continues to paint, she concludes, “Pooh– I don’t believe God said such things!” (82). This encounter is not merely a random incident; Hardy is challenging the belief system of the general society. He is making effective social commentary, but some readers unfortunately overlook this when they focus more on the likeliness or probability of the event occurring. Another example of social commentary through an encounter is when Tess meets the Darch sisters again at Flintcomb-ash. They “showed no recognition of her, and possibly had none” (300). They have no idea that their actions led to Tess’s rape and would eventually lead to her death. This is reflective of society’s lack of care and understanding for the impacts of its actions. Society has ruined lives, yet continues to live its own with ignorance. Moreover, Tess’s encounter with Alec after fleeing Emminster is reflective of the men who commit heinous deeds and then have a sudden change of heart due to religion. Alec says he is a changed man and has repented, but Tess is able to see past that and despises him for it. Tess was right in dismissing his religious outburst as a temporary façade, because he quickly returns to his corrupted state. Alec is reflective of the many men who sin and live carelessly through life and then attempt to secure a happy place in their afterlife too. They are not really changed men; they are just selfishly searching for and finding escapes from their sins. Hardy is criticizing and emphasizing the fact that men have the freedom to gain respected positions in society despite
Coincidences are relatively abundant throughout literature. Whether in the form of characters mysteriously appearing or storms occurring at the worst possible time, the stars always align in order to secure a tragic downfall. In Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles, some readers have scrutinized the events that transpire throughout the novel. They argue that the circumstances of Tess’s life were too “far-fetched” or improbable. However, when considering the novel beyond its minute details, it is clear that Hardy intended to write an effective social commentary. Although some argue that the incidents in Tess were implausibly coincidental, every event that occurred was necessary in …show more content…
Certain events and encounters occur simply because they illustrate a point or morale that Hardy is trying to convey. For example, when Tess runs into a zealous, religious painter, she questions religious views and says, “But suppose your sin was not of your own seeking?” (81). When the painter dismisses her question and continues to paint, she concludes, “Pooh– I don’t believe God said such things!” (82). This encounter is not merely a random incident; Hardy is challenging the belief system of the general society. He is making effective social commentary, but some readers unfortunately overlook this when they focus more on the likeliness or probability of the event occurring. Another example of social commentary through an encounter is when Tess meets the Darch sisters again at Flintcomb-ash. They “showed no recognition of her, and possibly had none” (300). They have no idea that their actions led to Tess’s rape and would eventually lead to her death. This is reflective of society’s lack of care and understanding for the impacts of its actions. Society has ruined lives, yet continues to live its own with ignorance. Moreover, Tess’s encounter with Alec after fleeing Emminster is reflective of the men who commit heinous deeds and then have a sudden change of heart due to religion. Alec says he is a changed man and has repented, but Tess is able to see past that and despises him for it. Tess was right in dismissing his religious outburst as a temporary façade, because he quickly returns to his corrupted state. Alec is reflective of the many men who sin and live carelessly through life and then attempt to secure a happy place in their afterlife too. They are not really changed men; they are just selfishly searching for and finding escapes from their sins. Hardy is criticizing and emphasizing the fact that men have the freedom to gain respected positions in society despite