Tess of the d’Urbervilles · Chapter
IX explained
Tess begins her work at the d'Urberville estate, caring for the fowls in an old cottage.
What happens
Tess begins her work at the d'Urberville estate, caring for the fowls in an old cottage. She meets the blind Mrs. d'Urberville, who asks her to whistle to the bullfinches. Alec d'Urberville playfully teaches Tess to whistle, and she becomes more familiar with him, though she remains wary.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Inequality
Tess's dependence on the d'Urbervilles for employment highlights the power imbalance between her humble origins and their wealth.
Female Purity and Double Standards
Alec's playful yet invasive behavior toward Tess underscores the sexual double standard, as he treats her with familiarity while she remains reserved.
Characters to notice
- Tess Durbeyfield
Tess starts her new role caring for fowls and is asked to whistle to bullfinches by Mrs. d'Urberville. She is uneasy but curious about her new position.
- Alec d'Urberville
Alec playfully teaches Tess to whistle, calling her 'Cousin Tess' with mockery. He hides behind curtains to observe her and later approaches her in the garden.
- Mrs. d'Urberville
The blind old lady who owns the estate. She examines the fowls by touch and instructs Tess to whistle to her bullfinches.
- Joan Durbeyfield
Mentioned as Tess's musical mother, from whom Tess learned tunes for the bullfinches.
Key passages
“Nonsense; I don’t want to touch you. See—I’ll stand on this side of the wire-netting, and you can keep on the other; so you may feel quite safe.”
Alec assures Tess he will not touch her, suggesting they stay on opposite sides of the netting for her safety.
Alec's attempt to put Tess at ease while teaching her to whistle.
“It reminded Tess of a Confirmation, in which Mrs. d’Urberville was the bishop, the fowls the young people presented, and herself and the maidservant the parson and curate of the parish bringing them up.”
Tess compares Mrs. d'Urberville's examination of the fowls to a religious confirmation ceremony.
Tess's imaginative perspective on the ritualistic handling of the birds.