Chapter 17

• Where does Tess grow accustomed to her routine?

  Talbothays Dairy
• What does Angel Clare begin to notice about Tess?

  Her beauty and work ethic
• How does Tess perceive her own allure?

  She is unaware of it
• What does Tess's unpretentiousness and natural grace draw in Angel Clare?

  His attention
• What themes are reflected in the river and mist imagery in the chapter?

  • Mystery and Tess's hidden past
  • Flow of time and inevitability of fate
  • Key themes in Hardy's deterministic narrative
• What does the mist symbolize in the context of Tess's character?

  Mystery and her hidden past
• How is Tess portrayed in relation to external forces?

  As passive and swept along
• What societal issue does Tess's lack of agency reflect?

  The restrictions on women in Victorian society
• What moral complexity does Angel Clare exhibit in the chapter?

  He has a growing admiration for Tess
• What does Angel's idealization of Tess foreshadow?

  Future conflict regarding her imperfections
• How does Hardy critique Victorian romanticism in the chapter?

  • Shows Angel's idealization of Tess
  • Highlights the flattering yet reductive view of women
  • Critiques societal expectations and limitations
• What societal structure highlights Tess's vulnerability?

  • Patriarchal structure
  • Lack of agency for women
  • Societal restrictions on women's roles
• What does the mist symbolize in the narrative?

  The mist symbolizes mystery and Tess's hidden past
• How does the river function in the narrative?

  The river reflects the flow of time and inevitability of fate
• What themes are key in Hardy's deterministic narrative?

  Time and inevitability of fate
• How is Tess portrayed in the narrative?

  Tess is portrayed as passive and swept along
• What does Tess's passivity reflect about Victorian society?

  It mirrors the lack of agency women experienced
• Who is Angel Clare in the narrative?

  Angel Clare is a man with a conscience
• What does Angel's admiration for Tess introduce?

  It introduces his moral complexity
• What does Angel's idealization of Tess foreshadow?

  It foreshadows future conflict with her imperfections