Pessimism in Tess of the d’Urbervilles

Overview of Pessimism in Tess of the d’Urbervilles 

According to Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, pessimism refers to a “feeling that bad things will happen or that something will not be successful” (1129). A pessimistic worldview implies that the worst will happen or that evil will ultimately prevail over goodness. Following are some of the instances in Tess of the d’Urbervilles that reinforce a pessimistic worldview.

a)       The root cause of Hardy’s pessimism was the absence of a divine order. This harmonious order is also absent in Tess of the d’Urbervilles. Brennecke claims that Hardy “cannot reconcile the idea of an omnipotent and merciful Deity with the human sufferings that he witnesses daily” (79). The world portrayed in Tess of the d’Urbervilles comes across as a hostile world bereft of a compassionate God. In the absence of a benevolent God, human suffering seems meaningless. Moreover, the absence of God makes the possibility of retribution seem like a myth. Consequently, human beings have no reason to hope for an optimistic outcome. This viewpoint is highlighted throughout the novel. For instance, after Tess discloses her past to Angel, he utters the following verse to express the “anguish of his heart”

God’s not in his heaven –

All’s wrong with the world! (Hardy 272). These lines are a variation of the verses featured in Robert Browning’s poem entitled, “Pippa Passes”.

b)      The presence of an uncaring universe or a cosmological order that does not sympathize with the tragic predicament of humanity is another factor that contributes to the pessimistic streak of the novel. This notion of human vulnerability and alienation amidst an uncaring universe is reflected in the following song chimed by Tess and her siblings during their last night at their home in Marlott:

“Here we suffer grief and pain,

 Here we meet to part again;

In Heaven we part no more (Hardy 377)

c)       c) Pessimism also implies that sorrow and tragedy will always outweigh happiness. This aspect of pessimism is evident in Tess of the d’Urbervilles as well since throughout the novel, moments of happiness, serenity and contentment are short-lived. This viewpoint is highlighted by Tess prior to her getting arrested when she says: “it is as it should be…Angel, I am almost glad – yes, glad! This happiness could not have lasted. It was too much!” (Hardy 417).

d)      d) The prevailing notion at the end of the novel is not that humanity will prevail but rather that death brings an end to human suffering. This dismal perspective also reinforces the pessimistic tone of the novel. Tess’s tragic plight only comes to an end through her execution. This notion of death as a promising escape to a torturous life is perhaps best conveyed through the pitiable death of Sorrow that is described as “the hour of emancipation for that little prisoner of flesh” (Hardy 108).

e)      e) A vision of bleakness and heartache permeates Tess of the d’Urbervilles – even at the end. The final image is not one of salvation or happiness but of bleak, unmitigated suffering which is highlighted through the “pale faces” and “bowed heads” of Angel and Liza-Lu as they walk together and the “grief of sun’s rays” smile “on pitilessly” (Hardy 418). The most pessimistic aspect of the novel is the absence of divine compensation or poetic justice. Tess inhabits a society in which malevolent people like Alec are allowed to prolong their conniving schemes while the vulnerable individuals like her are forced to pay a price for their transgressions. Despite Tess’s tragic death, the chaotic, unjust force of life moves on, and according to Shires, “The last chapter offers no catharsis . . .” (158).  

Credit goes to Ma'am Saima Najib

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