Chapter 23

• Who does Angel Clare openly favour during the communal meal?

  Tess
• How does Tess feel about Angel's attention towards her?

  She feels both drawn to him and burdened
• What does Tess's "super-sensitive instinct" indicate about her character?

  It shows her awareness of societal dynamics
• What past experiences contribute to Tess's cautiousness about male attention?

  Her experiences with Alec
• What does the phrase “The air in her was effervescent as that of a new spring” suggest about Tess?

  It suggests vitality and association with nature
• What does the Romantic imagery in the quote about Tess foreshadow?

  It foreshadows the impermanence of her happiness
• Who helps the dairymaids across the flooded area?

  Angel
• What does Angel's action of helping Tess symbolize?

  His growing romantic interest in her
• How does Hardy critique Victorian society through the milkmaids’ envy of Tess?

  He exposes the pressures women faced for male approval
• How does Tess feel about Angel's attentions?

  Elated and apprehensive
• What does the quote "He might have been the Prince of the fairy tale" suggest about Angel?

  It reflects Victorian ideals of male heroism
• How does Hardy critique Angel's chivalric gesture?

  It is based on an idealized view of Tess
• What aspect of women’s worth does Victorian society emphasize according to the context?

  Appearance and behaviour
• What does Tess admire about Angel?

  His disinterested love for women
• What are the key themes presented in Chapter 23 regarding Tess's character and societal pressures?

  • Tess's conflict with Angel's attention
  • Jealousy among the milkmaids
  • Tess's heightened awareness of societal dynamics
  • The critique of Victorian societal pressures on women
• How does Tess's admiration for Angel reflect her past experiences?

  It shows her lack of experience with authentic affection
• How does Hardy contrast Angel and Alec in the text?

  Angel appears altruistic, while Alec is selfish
• What do both Angel and Alec ultimately fail to do regarding Tess?

  They both fail her in different ways
• What do Angel's actions reflect about Victorian gender dynamics?

  Men were expected to "rescue" women
• How does Hardy critique the notion of men rescuing women?

  Angel's aid ignores Tess's internal struggles
• What does the flooded area symbolize in the chapter?

  Angel's growing romantic interest in Tess
• What is the significance of the quote regarding Angel being "the Prince of the fairy tale"?

  It highlights the romantic ideals of the time
• How does Hardy's portrayal of Angel challenge Victorian ideals?

  By showing his idealization of Tess