Fate / Injustice

• What key theme is represented by Tess's hardships in the novel?

  The theme of injustice and fate.
• How does Hardy contrast the idea of a benevolent God with the portrayal of Tess's suffering?

  By depicting her hardships as mere sport for the "President of the Immortals."
• What does Tess's final execution symbolize in the novel?

  The forces working against her from society and circumstance.
• Fate


  The process or course of events that will necessarily happen to someone or something, often referred to as Destiny.
• Inevitability


  The idea that certain events are predetermined and cannot be changed.
• Tess's fate


  Tess is repeatedly described as being subject to the cruel hand of fate, highlighting the idea that her life is predetermined.
• Social circumstances


  The novel suggests that the characters' choices are limited by their social and economic circumstances, which also contribute to the fulfillment of their fate.
• Free will vs. Fate


  The novel explores the tension between the characters' ability to make choices and the inevitability of their fate, leaving the reader questioning the role of free will in shaping their destinies.
• Fate's Impact on Tess


  Tess's fate is marked by tragic circumstances, including the death of her mother, her forced marriage to Alec, and the murder of Alec.
• Predictable Consequences


  Tess's choices and actions are often shown to be inevitable, with disastrous consequences, such as her decision to marry Angel being doomed from the start.
• Life of Suffering

  Tess's fate is one of unrelenting suffering, marked by poverty, abuse, and loss.
• No Escape

  Throughout the novel, Tess is shown to be trapped by her circumstances, with no escape from her fate.
• Cruel Irony


  Tess's fate is often marked by cruel irony, where her efforts to improve her situation only lead to further suffering.
• Fate and Class


  The novel suggests that social class determines one's fate, with those born into poverty and rural areas having limited opportunities and a predetermined fate.
• Tess's Low Social Status


  As a country girl from a poor family, Tess is trapped in a life of poverty and limited opportunities, with her fate already predetermined.
• Social Connections


  The novel highlights the importance of social connections in shaping one's fate, with those who have connections to wealth and power having more opportunities and a better chance of a satisfactory life.
• Rural Poverty

  The novel portrays rural poverty as a key factor in shaping people's fates, with those living in poverty often being trapped in a cycle of hardship and limited opportunities.
• No Escape from Social Circumstances

  The novel suggests that there is no escape from one's social circumstances, with people being trapped by their social class and unable to change their fate.