Tess of the d’Urbervilles · Chapter
Phase the First: The Maiden explained
The Durbeyfield family learns of their noble ancestry, leading Tess to visit the d'Urberville estate where she meets Alec.
What happens
The Durbeyfield family learns of their noble ancestry, leading Tess to visit the d'Urberville estate where she meets Alec. After a series of events, Alec seduces Tess, and she returns home pregnant. The chapter ends with the death of her baby.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Inequality
The Durbeyfield family's discovery of noble ancestry sets off a chain of events that exposes the power dynamics between the wealthy d'Urbervilles and the impoverished Durbeyfields.
Female Purity and Double Standards
Tess's seduction and subsequent pregnancy illustrate the societal condemnation of women for sexual transgressions, while men like Alec face no such repercussions.
Characters to notice
- Tess Durbeyfield
The protagonist, a young maiden whose life is altered by her family's discovery of noble ancestry and her encounter with Alec.
- Alec d'Urberville
The wealthy and manipulative young man who seduces Tess, leading to her pregnancy and the death of her child.
- Jack Durbeyfield
Tess's father, who learns of his noble lineage from Parson Tringham and becomes enamored with the idea of his ancestry.
- Joan Durbeyfield
Tess's mother, who encourages Tess to seek favor with the d'Urbervilles, hoping for financial gain.
- Prince
The Durbeyfield family horse, whose death in an accident forces Tess to seek help from the d'Urbervilles.
Key passages
“The old woman, who was the mother of the young man, was a widow, and had a large estate in the neighbourhood.”
Alec's mother is a wealthy widow who owns a large estate nearby.
Establishes the wealth and status of the d'Urberville family.
“She had not been there five minutes when she heard a step on the stairs, and a man entered the room.”
Shortly after arriving at the d'Urberville estate, Tess is met by Alec.
Marks the first meeting between Tess and Alec.
“The baby was born, and lived but a few days.”
Tess gives birth to a baby who dies shortly after.
Concludes the tragic outcome of Tess's seduction.