Chapter 18

• Who begins to study Tess closely in Chapter 18?

  Angel Clare
• How does Angel Clare perceive Tess's beauty?

  He admires her beauty and natural grace
• What does Angel's idealised view of Tess suggest about his feelings?

  He is struck by her purity and grace
• How does Tess feel about Angel's growing affection?

  She remains cautious and unaware
• What does Angel call Tess in his description?

  A fresh and virginal daughter of Nature
• What does Angel's description of Tess reveal about his view of her?

  He romanticises her as a symbol of purity
• What critique does Hardy make through Angel's idealisation of Tess?

  It ignores Tess's complexities and humanity
• How does Angel perceive Tess's disposition and physique?

  He sees her as dignified and large
• What does Hardy suggest about dignity through Angel's perception of Tess?

  True dignity transcends societal boundaries
• What does Angel's idealised view of rural women reflect about Victorian society?

  It reflects Victorian romanticism and archetypes
• What harm does Hardy highlight regarding the idealisation of individuals?

  It reduces individuals to archetypes