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Questions and Answers
What emotion primarily characterizes Tess as she embarks on her journey?
What emotion primarily characterizes Tess as she embarks on her journey?
How does Tess's perception of her beauty fluctuate during her journey?
How does Tess's perception of her beauty fluctuate during her journey?
What effect does nature have on Tess's emotional state?
What effect does nature have on Tess's emotional state?
What significant physical change accompanies Tess's emotional journey?
What significant physical change accompanies Tess's emotional journey?
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What is the significance of the Valley of the Great Dairies to Tess?
What is the significance of the Valley of the Great Dairies to Tess?
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Which aspect of the Valley of the Great Dairies contrasts with the Vale of Little Dairies?
Which aspect of the Valley of the Great Dairies contrasts with the Vale of Little Dairies?
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What role does the river play in the landscape of the Valley of the Great Dairies?
What role does the river play in the landscape of the Valley of the Great Dairies?
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What does Tess chant that connects her to her past experiences?
What does Tess chant that connects her to her past experiences?
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What is the primary reason for Tess's departure from her family?
What is the primary reason for Tess's departure from her family?
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Which character plays a significant role in preparing Tess for her departure?
Which character plays a significant role in preparing Tess for her departure?
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What is Tess's family's reaction to her departure?
What is Tess's family's reaction to her departure?
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What unexpected event occurs as Tess is about to depart?
What unexpected event occurs as Tess is about to depart?
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How does Tess's departure from her family mark a change in her life?
How does Tess's departure from her family mark a change in her life?
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What motivates Joan Durbeyfield to help Tess prepare for her departure?
What motivates Joan Durbeyfield to help Tess prepare for her departure?
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In what way does Alec d'Urberville influence the story?
In what way does Alec d'Urberville influence the story?
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What key aspect of the d'Urbervilles family affects Tess's stance toward her departure?
What key aspect of the d'Urbervilles family affects Tess's stance toward her departure?
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What motivated Tess Durbeyfield to leave her hometown of Marlott?
What motivated Tess Durbeyfield to leave her hometown of Marlott?
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What is significant about Talbothays in Tess's journey?
What is significant about Talbothays in Tess's journey?
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In what way did Tess's previous experiences serve her in a transformative manner?
In what way did Tess's previous experiences serve her in a transformative manner?
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What did Tess reflect on regarding her mortality?
What did Tess reflect on regarding her mortality?
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How did Tess feel about her past as she decided to start anew?
How did Tess feel about her past as she decided to start anew?
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What role did the ancestral land play in Tess's decision to start fresh?
What role did the ancestral land play in Tess's decision to start fresh?
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What was Tess's main struggle during her journey to Talbothays?
What was Tess's main struggle during her journey to Talbothays?
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How did Tess's past experiences influence her goals for the future?
How did Tess's past experiences influence her goals for the future?
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Study Notes
Introduction to the d'Urberville Family
- Parson Tringham and John Durbeyfield discuss the d'Urberville family's noble lineage, tracing their descent from Sir Pagan.
- Sir Pagan d'Urberville came from Normandy with William the Conqueror.
The d'Urberville Family History
- Ancestral roots: The family's ancestors were part of twelve knights who helped the Lord of Estremavilla in Normandy.
- Manors and estates: The family owned manors in various locations (Kingsbere, Sherton, Millpond, Lullstead, Wellbridge).
- Titles and honors: The family gained the title of Knights of the Royal Oak for their loyalty during the reign of Charles II.
The d'Urberville Family Tree
- Sir Pagan d'Urberville came from Normandy with William the Conqueror.
John Durbeyfield's Reaction
- Learns of his ancestors' nobility, and feels pride
- Orders a horse and carriage to return home
- Instructs his wife to stop housework
- Pays the youth a shilling
- Feels importance stemming from his family history
Key Terms
- Lineal representative: A direct descendant of a particular family member
- Genealogist: A person who studies family histories and lineages
- Local historian: A person who studies the history of a particular geographic area
Introduction to the Vale of Blackmoor
- The Vale of Blackmoor/Forest of White Hart is an area of historic and topographical interest in the north-east
- Characterized by fertile, sheltered landscape, with never-drying springs.
The Club-Walking Ceremony
- Traditional May-Day dance event in the Vale of Blackmoor
- Women dressed in white gowns with peeled willow wands and white flowers
- Processional march around the parish
- Survival from Old Style days, celebrating May-time
Key Figures
- Tess Durbeyfield: A young woman with a passionate personality
- John Durbeyfield: Tess's father, proud of his lineage
- The women of the club: Individuals who participate in the club-walking ceremony (including Tess).
The Family's Heritage
- Tess's mother reveals the family's lineage back to the d'Urberville family
- The family is excited by this discovery, anticipating better times.
The Family's Situation
- The family is struggling, with the father's absences and mother burdened with household tasks.
- The setting is a humble cottage, with a stone floor and a candle providing the only light.
The Family's Financial Situation
- The family's finances are precarious due to their social position
- The family's primary income source (haggling business) is disrupted.
The Family's Plan
- The family plans for Tess to connect or claim kin with the wealthy d'Urberville family to improve their social status and financial situation.
Key Characters and Their Roles
- Tess is the eldest daughter, tasked to claim kinship with d'Urbervilles
- John Durbeyfield, the absent father of the family
- Joan Durbeyfield, the mother who's focused on improving their status
The Themes of Social Status and Poverty
- The importance of social status is highlighted by the contrasts between the Durbeyfields and d'Urbervilles.
- The family's financial struggles are pervasive throughout the novel.
The Accident
- A tragic incident in which the mail-cart collides with Durbeyfield's wagon, resulting in the death of their prized horse 'Prince.'
- This event sets off a chain of financial and emotional difficulties for the family
Family's Reaction to the Accident
- Tess feels responsible for the accident, and struggles with guilt.
- Distress is evident in family members concerning the loss of their primary means of livelihood.
Key Figures and Their Roles
- Family members (Tess, John, Joan, etc.) are described and their roles in the family are detailed.
Key Events
- List of significant events in the novel, detailing the sequence of occurrences to give a comprehensive summary of the novel
Themes
- Social class: Highlighting the differences between the wealthy d'Urbervilles and the poor Durbeyfields.
- Identity: Exploring how identity is shaped by family lineage and social status.
The Journey to Casterbridge
- Tess and her brother traveled a long distance to Casterbridge.
- Details of the journey, including distance and mode of transport, are provided.
The Conversation Between Tess and Abraham
- Tess and her brother discuss their family's social status and possible connections in Trantridge.
The Theme of Social Status and Poverty
- The protagonist's poverty is a recurring motif, coupled with the allure of social advancement associated with the d'Urberville family.
The Accident and its Consequences
- The accidental death of their horse, Prince, leads to severe consequences for the Durbeyfield family.
- Loss of income and the emotional ramifications of the event are explored in detail.
The Family's Financial Situation
- The family's financial plight following the accident
- Exploring how the accident impacts their livelihood and future prospects.
Family's Reaction to the Accident
- Family's responses and reactions regarding the accident
The Baptismal Service
- Tess's participation in the baby's baptism and the related rituals, highlighting her feelings of desperation and familial pressure.
- Explanation of the meanings behind baptism, illegitimacy, and the fear of hell.
Tess's New Life
- Tess's desire to escape her past and begin again
- The factors influencing Tess's decision to leave her home in Marlott, including a desire to begin anew, and her determination for independence.
Tess's Journey
- Details of the journey Tess took to acquire a new life in Talbothays
- The various modes of transportation used by Tess and other characters in the story.
Description of the Landscape
- Description of the Valley surrounding Talbothays
Tess's Emotional State
- Tess's emotions and thoughts, particularly regarding her new situation at Talbothays and her past.
The Social Stigma of Unwed Motherhood
- The social pressures and expectations placed on Tess, specifically given her social position.
- The complexities and issues regarding unwed motherhood.
The Importance of Milking
- Importance of milking cows in the dairy to make a living, and the importance of social pressures on this rural economy and livelihood.
Dairy Farm Statistics
- Numerical figures associated with the dairy farm operation
The Dairyman's Story
- Details about the story William Dewy, and his interaction with a bull.
The Challenges on the Dairy Farm
- Difficulties and obstacles faced by the dairy farm personnel
The Private Little Jig
- Description of a gathering, or party, at a local cottage, or home involving dancing.
The Meeting Between Tess and Alec
- Details and observations of the meeting between Tess and Alec as the story unfolds.
The Walk Home
- Description of Tess walking home from Trantridge, and the events associated with these travels.
Meeting with Car
- Description of Car, her struggles, and the relationship problems.
The Incident with Car
- Details of a distressing incident between Tess and a character named Car.
The Artisan's Beliefs
- Description of the beliefs and actions of the artisan
The Encounter with Alec
- The encounter between Tess and Alec amidst the countryside.
The Power of Nature
- Description of Tess's sense of peace and solace found in nature.
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Description
Explore the rich lineage of the d'Urberville family, tracing their ancestry from Sir Pagan d'Urberville and their noble accomplishments. Learn about their ancestral roots in Normandy, the manors they owned, and the honors they received throughout history. Discover John Durbeyfield's reaction to learning about his family's nobility.
