Hardy’s vision of tragedy
Introduction : Vision of Tragedy in the novel Tess of D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy. It includes explanation of Tragedy, inner and outer conflict, emotional impact and causes.
The main considerations in tragedy
- First, what sort of persons are the victims of suffering?
- Second, what are the causes of disaster or catastrophe?
- Third, what is the emotional reaction of the audience?
- Fourth, what is the writer’s view of human nature?
- Fifth, what type of conflict is used?
A democratic choice of characters
What sort of person are victim of suffering? The victim of sufferings are the natives of the countryside (Wessex’s Folk) ordinary men and women. Here, Tess presents the peasantry. The sufferings of Tess and his family also the suffering of other milk maids. They all belongs to peasantry and lower class.
The causes of disaster
The causes of Tess’s suffering is the responsibility of Angel and Alec, of society and ruling class. First, Alec’s lust ruined the Tess and then, Angels conventional thinking ruined the Tess.
Secondly Tess herself responsible for her sufferings (Tragic flaw). Her intense sense of guilt and faithful nature ruined her life. But, these two aspects of life makes her character unforgettable.
Thirdly her fate also play important role in her sufferings. Her life is full of chances and coincidence. Like, death of prince, seduction and written confession goes under carpet etc. Hardy quotes the words of Shakespeare: “As the flies to the wanton boys, we are to the gods they kill us for their support.”