Tess of the d’Urbervilles · Chapter
XLVI explained
Alec d'Urberville, having abandoned his preaching, confronts Tess again, professing his revived passion and proposing marriage with a license.
What happens
Alec d'Urberville, having abandoned his preaching, confronts Tess again, professing his revived passion and proposing marriage with a license. Tess reveals she is already married to Angel Clare, which shocks Alec. He tears up the license but offers to help her and her husband. Later, Tess writes a letter to Angel but does not send it. Alec visits her again, and they debate religion and belief, with Tess defending Angel's views.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Hypocrisy
Alec's conversion is revealed as a whim, and his religious fervor collapses when confronted by Tess, highlighting the hypocrisy of his faith.
Love and Marriage
Tess's marriage to Angel is a central point; Alec's proposal and Tess's refusal underscore the complexities of love and marital bonds.
Female Purity and Double Standards
Tess is blamed by Alec for tempting him, reflecting the double standard that holds women responsible for men's desires.
Characters to notice
- Tess Durbeyfield
Tess resists Alec's advances, reveals her marriage to Angel, and defends her husband's beliefs.
- Alec d'Urberville
Alec abandons his preaching, proposes marriage to Tess, and struggles with his revived passion after learning she is married.
- Angel Clare
Referenced by Tess as her husband; his beliefs and words influence Tess and affect Alec.
Key passages
“You temptress, Tess; you dear damned witch of Babylon—I could not resist you as soon as I met you again!”
Alec calls Tess a temptress and says he cannot resist her.
Alec blames Tess for his inability to control his passion.
“I have broken my engagement to preach to those poor drunken boobies at the fair—it is the first time I have played such a practical joke.”
Alec admits he abandoned his preaching engagement at the fair.
Alec's religious commitment is shown to be shallow.
“I have already obtained this precious document. It was my old mother’s dying wish.”
Alec shows Tess a marriage license, claiming it was his mother's wish.
Alec attempts to marry Tess as reparation.
“I cannot tell you. ... Well then … I have married him.”
Tess reveals she is married to Angel.
Tess discloses her secret marriage, shocking Alec.
“Your mind is enslaved to his.”
Alec accuses Tess of blindly following Angel's beliefs.
Alec criticizes Tess's intellectual dependence on Angel.