Tess of the d’Urbervilles · Chapter
XLIII explained
Tess works at Flintcomb-Ash farm with Marian and later Izz Huett.
What happens
Tess works at Flintcomb-Ash farm with Marian and later Izz Huett. The harsh winter and grueling labor test her endurance. Marian's drinking and the women's reminiscences about Talbothays Dairy and Angel Clare lead to a painful revelation: Angel had asked Izz to go to Brazil with him. Tess, deeply hurt, resolves to write to him but struggles with doubt.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Resilience
Tess endures brutal winter labor and emotional pain, yet continues to hope for Angel's return, demonstrating resilience.
Love and Marriage
Tess's marriage to Angel is strained by his absence and his proposal to Izz, highlighting the fragility of their bond.
Fate and Inevitability
The harsh winter and Tess's relentless suffering suggest an inescapable fate, as her hopes for reunion are undermined.
Characters to notice
- Tess Durbeyfield
Works hard at Flintcomb-Ash, endures physical and emotional strain, learns of Angel's proposal to Izz, and struggles with her feelings of neglect.
- Marian
Works alongside Tess, drinks to cope with her own loss, and reveals Angel's proposal to Izz, causing Tess distress.
- Izz Huett
Joins Tess and Marian at Flintcomb-Ash, shares the labor, and is the subject of the revelation about Angel's proposal.
- Angel Clare
Referenced as Tess's absent husband; his proposal to Izz is disclosed, deepening Tess's sense of abandonment.
- Farmer Groby
The harsh farmer at Flintcomb-Ash who pressures Tess to work harder.
Key passages
“Marian’s will had a method of assisting itself by taking from her pocket as the afternoon wore on a pint bottle corked with white rag, from which she invited Tess to drink.”
Marian coped with her sorrow by drinking from a bottle she carried, offering some to Tess.
Illustrates Marian's reliance on alcohol as a comfort.
“Tess thought her loss as great as Marian’s, but upheld by the dignity of being Angel’s wife, in the letter at least, she accepted Marian’s differentiation.”
Tess felt her own loss was equal to Marian's, but took pride in being Angel's wife, even if only in name.
Shows Tess's attempt to maintain self-respect despite her suffering.
“He wanted her to go off to Brazil with him.”
Angel had asked Izz to accompany him to Brazil.
Key revelation that deepens Tess's emotional turmoil.