# Phase the Sixth: The Convert explained — Tess of the d’Urbervilles

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

## What happens

Tess encounters Alec d'Urberville, who has become a preacher, but his conversion proves shallow as he resumes his pursuit of her. Tess struggles with her past and her feelings for Angel Clare, while Alec's persistence forces her to confront her situation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Religion and Hypocrisy

Alec's conversion to preaching is portrayed as superficial, revealing the hypocrisy of religious fervor that does not lead to genuine moral change.

### Female Purity and Double Standards

Tess is judged by society for her past, while Alec's past sins are overlooked due to his conversion, highlighting the double standard.

## Character check-ins

### Tess Durbeyfield

Tess is working at Flintcomb-Ash and encounters Alec, who has become a preacher. She resists his advances and remains haunted by her past.

### Alec d'Urberville

Alec has undergone a religious conversion and is now a preacher, but his old desires resurface when he sees Tess again.

### Angel Clare

Angel is absent but remains in Tess's thoughts; she still loves him and hopes for his return.

### Marian

Marian works alongside Tess at Flintcomb-Ash and provides support, warning Tess about Alec's intentions.

## Key lines

> The conversion was a genuine one, but it was not of the kind that would last.

Alec's religious change was real at first, but it was not deep enough to endure.

_This reflects the theme of religious hypocrisy and Alec's unstable character._

> She had not seen him for months, and now he was a preacher.

Tess had not encountered Alec in a long time, and now he had become a religious speaker.

_Highlights the shock of Alec's transformation and the beginning of his renewed pursuit._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/phase-the-sixth-the-convert
- 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