Role of Women

• How does society view Tess after her rape compared to Angel's pre-marital affair?

  Tess is condemned as unclean, while Angel's affair is hardly mentioned.
• How does Hardy portray women's roles in society through Tess's character?

  As passive victims subjected to male domination.
• What recurring theme is highlighted through Tess's experiences with men?

  The theme of male domination over women.
• How do the reactions of Retty and Mariam illustrate the impact of male domination on women in the novel?

  Retty attempts suicide and Mariam becomes an alcoholic due to their devotion to men.