Set against the backdrop of rural Victorian England, Tess of the d'Urbervilles explores the tragic journey of Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman burdened by her family's newfound, but hollow, connection to nobility. As Tess navigates the rigid social structures of her time, she faces exploitation, betrayal, and societal judgment, challenging the moral and sexual conventions of the 19th century.
Hardy delves into themes of fate, innocence, and the harsh realities of class, weaving a poignant critique of the injustices faced by women. This powerful narrative stands as a timeless examination of human resilience and the devastating effects of societal hypocrisy, cementing its place as one of English literature's most profound novels.