Tess of the d’Urbervilles · Chapter
XVIII explained
Angel Clare, a thoughtful and unconventional young man, arrives at Talbothays Dairy as a pupil farmer.
What happens
Angel Clare, a thoughtful and unconventional young man, arrives at Talbothays Dairy as a pupil farmer. He initially keeps to himself but gradually comes to appreciate the genuine humanity of the farm workers, moving beyond stereotypes. He begins to notice Tess Durbeyfield, who captivates him with her natural, virginal quality and a mysterious familiarity.
Themes in this chapter
Nature vs. Society
Angel's growing appreciation for the natural, unpretentious life at the dairy contrasts with his previous societal expectations. Tess is idealized as a 'daughter of Nature,' embodying a purity that society complicates.
Religion and Hypocrisy
Angel's refusal to enter the Church due to its 'untenable redemptive theolatry' and his father's devout but rigid faith illustrate the theme of religious hypocrisy and personal conviction.
Love and Marriage
Angel's emerging interest in Tess, seeing her as a 'fresh and virginal' ideal, sets the stage for their future romantic relationship, which will be tested by societal and personal expectations.
Characters to notice
- Angel Clare
Angel is introduced as a thoughtful, somewhat detached young man who has rejected a career in the Church and is now learning farming. He begins to appreciate the individuality of the farm workers and becomes intrigued by Tess.
- Tess Durbeyfield
Tess is now working at Talbothays Dairy. She speaks of souls leaving the body while gazing at stars, which draws Angel's attention. He sees her as a 'fresh and virginal daughter of Nature' and feels a sense of familiarity with her.
- Dairyman Crick
The dairyman is present at breakfast, engaging with Tess's philosophical musings with genuine curiosity. He is a practical man but open to new ideas.
- Mrs. Crick
Mrs. Crick is mentioned as the one who orders that Angel Clare should sit in the chimney-corner, considering him too genteel to eat with the others.
- Old Mr. Clare
Angel's father, a devout vicar, is recalled in a flashback. He is shocked and disappointed when Angel refuses to enter the Church, revealing a deep generational and ideological divide.
Key passages
“What a fresh and virginal daughter of Nature that milkmaid is!”
Angel thinks to himself that Tess is a pure and natural young woman.
This thought marks the beginning of Angel's romantic idealization of Tess.
“I should like to say, once for all, that I should prefer not to take Orders. I fear I could not conscientiously do so.”
Angel tells his father that he cannot become a minister because it would go against his conscience.
This reveals Angel's moral independence and sets him apart from his family's expectations.