# Epigraph explained — Tess of the d’Urbervilles

> Chapter companion for Tess of the d’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy.

## What happens

The epigraph quotes Shakespeare, suggesting a theme of sheltering a wounded or dishonored name, foreshadowing Tess's plight.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Purity and Double Standards

The 'wounded name' alludes to the societal judgment and loss of purity that Tess will endure.

### Suffering and Resilience

The image of lodging a wounded name in the bosom suggests bearing suffering with resilience.

## Key lines

> Poor wounded name! My bosom as a bed Shall lodge thee.

My heart will provide a resting place for your damaged reputation.

_This epigraph from Shakespeare sets a tone of compassion and burden, foreshadowing Tess's role as a bearer of shame._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/epigraph
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters