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Critical Study of Tess of D'Urbervilles |
Evolutionary Meliorism
Instead of viewing himself as a pessimist, Hardy regarded himself as an “evolutionary meliorist” (Bailey 569). In a conversation with William Archer, Hardy claimed that his “practical philosophy had been melioristic (rather than pessimistic) and that his books had been a plea against man's inhumanity to man — to woman, and to the lower animals” (319). According to The American Heritage Dictionary, meliorism refers to “The belief that the human condition can be improved through concerted effort” (n.p). Meliorism also refers to “The belief that there is an inherent tendency toward progress or improvement in the human condition” ( https://www.yourdictionary.com/meliorism). In other words, Hardy believed that the human plight can be improved through consistent, dedicated effort.
Evolutionary meliorism refers to candidly viewing the human condition - to see it for what it is without denying the tragedies inherent in the human plight - and then making whatever attempts one can to remedy the situation or to improve it to the best of one’s ability. Hardy outlines the philosophy of evolutionary meliorism in the following excerpt: “The soul has her eternal rights; that she will not be darkened by statutes, nor lullabied by the music of bells. Pessimism, in truth, is only a kind of ‘questioning’ in the exploration of reality and is the first step towards the betterment of the soul, and the body. If there is a way to the better, it demands a full look at the worst: That is to say, by the exploration of reality, and its frank recognition stage by stage is briefly what evolutionary meliorism is” (Qt. in Walbank106). In other words, Hardy claims that the tragic plight of humanity can only be improved by witnessing and recognizing the unflattering or disappointing aspects of human beings in particular and of the forces governing reality in general. Although Tess of the d’Urbervilles is for the most part quite pessimistic, certain aspects of evolutionary meliorism can be traced in the novel. For instance, after confronting the various heartaches in her life, Tess derives some degree of consolation at the end by hoping that her sister – Liza-Lu – may have a better life than her. Tess asks Angel to marry and “train” and “teach” Liza-Lu so that Liza-Lu can experience the bliss and avail of the opportunities that were denied to Tess in her lifetime (Hardy 415). Tess feels that if her desire is realized, “it would almost seem as if death had not divided” her and Angel (Hardy 415). Hence, in keeping with Hardy’s philosophy of evolutionary meliorism, one can deduce that the tragedy underlying the Durbeyfield household may decrease and transform for the better after Tess’s death thereby highlighting the inherent tendency toward progress or improvement in the human condition. The persistent, concerted effort made by Tess during her lifetime may benefit her family after her death.
The Gender Disparity Evident in Victorian Society
There was a wide difference between men and women in Victorian society in terms of societal expectations. Moreover, in the Victorian era, there were different moral standards for both men and women. The term disparity refers to difference or inequality. The various forms of gender disparity in Tess of the d’Urbervilles are discussed below:
1. The notion of female chastity and honor was widespread in the Victorian era. A woman’s worth was based on the degree of modesty exhibited by her. On the contrary, men were not judged on the basis of their modest or virtuous behavior. For instance, Alec d’Urberville is never penalized for abusing Tess whereas she pays the heavy price of enduring an unwanted pregnancy and of facing social criticism. As opposed to the limited choices and challenges encountered by Tess, Alec conveniently opts to become a preacher – a man of faith- and never encounters any social criticism or disapproval. This contradiction between different moral standards for men and women is highlighted in the phase entitled, “The Convert”. Tess passionately questions this double moral standard by stating to Alec that “You and those like you take your fill of pleasure on earth by making the life of such as me bitter and black with sorrow; and then it is a fine thing, when you have had enough of that, to think of securing your pleasure in heaven by becoming converted…I hate it!” (Hardy 328). On account of his gender, Alec has no fear of social retribution. After Tess and her family become homeless, Alec emotionally blackmails her and says, “Remember, my lady, I was your master once! I will be your master again. If you are any man's wife you are mine!” (Hardy 351). The gender disparity in terms of morality is best conveyed in the title of the fifth phase of the novel, namely, The Woman Pays.
2. Since Victorian society was unforgiving toward a woman who was apparently non-virtuous, Hardy extended the title of the novel and added the subtitle: A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented. The complete title thus became: Tess of the d’Urbervilles: A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented. Hardy added the subtitle because he did not want his Victorian audience to think that Tess was seduced rather than abused.
3. The gender disparity in Victorian society is best reflected in Angel’s attitude toward Tess following her disclosure of her past. Although Angel is very conveniently granted forgiveness for his short-lived affair with an older woman prior to his marriage, he judges Tess according to the Victorian notion of purity and innocence. After Tess’s confession, her value and esteem dramatically decrease in Angel’s eyes and he says, “Here was I thinking you a new-sprung child of nature; there were you, the belated seedling of an effete aristocracy!” (Chapter 35). The only reason Angel loves Tess prior to their marriage is that he thinks she is “a fresh and virginal daughter of Nature” (Hardy 137). Once this image of Tess is shattered, Angel abandons her and says, “I will come to you. But until I come to you it will be better that you should not try to come to me” (Hardy 270). Thus, unlike Tess, Angel has the liberty of pronouncing a judgment on Tess and of rejecting and abandoning her. Angel’s behavior in this context reflects the self-righteous attitude of a Victorian male. Irwin reaffirms this viewpoint by stating, “Certainly he [Angel] fails Tess when she confesses her past to him, and certainly that failure illustrates a radical inconsistency and hypocrisy in Victorian moral attitudes” (Irwin, 2000, p. X). This contradiction in moral attitudes and ethical expectations with respect to men and women is also partially responsible for exacerbating Tess’s tragedy. In terms of gender disparity, the novel highlights that despite committing a moral offense, men in Victorian society could easily escape unscathed as Angel and Alec d’Urberville do, whereas women were treated as an outcast.
Realism in Tess of the d’Urbervilles
• The novel authentically portrays the challenges, anxieties, and the social milieu or social conditions prevalent in the Victorian era. E.g – a) Tess’s plight b) Financial challenges encountered by the Durbeyfields and Izzy, Marian and Retty c) The social privileges enjoyed by the rich such as Alec.
• Third-person narrative
• Life-like characterization- portrays believable human behavior
Credit goes to Ma'am Saima Najib
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