Tess of the d’Urbervilles · Chapter
Chapter XXVI explained
Angel Clare visits his parents to inform them of his intention to marry Tess Durbeyfield.
What happens
Angel Clare visits his parents to inform them of his intention to marry Tess Durbeyfield. Despite their initial concerns about her social standing, they are somewhat reassured by her Christian faith. During a ride with his father, Angel learns of a confrontation between Mr. Clare and a young upstart squire named d'Urberville, who is revealed to be Alec d'Urberville.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Inequality
Angel defends Tess's lower social status, arguing that her intrinsic qualities outweigh her lack of pedigree, while his parents initially favor Mercy Chant's 'good family.'
Religion and Hypocrisy
Mr. Clare's fervent religious practice contrasts with Alec's immoral behavior, and Angel grapples with his own heterodoxy while valuing Tess's orthodox faith.
Love and Marriage
Angel's decision to marry Tess despite social and familial objections underscores the tension between romantic love and societal expectations.
Characters to notice
- Angel Clare
Angel informs his parents of his engagement to Tess, defends her character, and learns about Alec d'Urberville from his father.
- Old Mr. Clare
Angel's father, a devout clergyman, shares his experiences with conversions and recounts his confrontation with Alec d'Urberville.
- Mrs. Clare
Angel's mother, who expresses concern about Tess's social standing and suggests Mercy Chant as a more suitable match.
- Alec d'Urberville
Mentioned as a young upstart squire who insulted Mr. Clare after being rebuked for his immoral behavior.
- Tess Durbeyfield
Discussed as Angel's intended wife; her social background and Christian faith are debated by Angel and his parents.
- Felix Clare
Angel's brother, who has left the Vicarage for a walking tour and to whom Angel has not mentioned Tess.
Key passages
“She is not what in common parlance is called a lady... for she is a cottager’s daughter, as I am proud to say. But she is a lady, nevertheless—in feeling and nature.”
Angel tells his mother that Tess is not a lady by social standards, but he considers her a true lady in character and spirit.
Angel defends Tess's worth against his mother's concerns about class.
“Not one of the ancient d’Urbervilles of Kingsbere and other places?”
Angel asks his father if the young squire is from the historic d'Urberville family.
Angel's curiosity about the d'Urberville lineage foreshadows the connection to Tess.
“Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee!”
Mr. Clare used this biblical verse from St. Luke to confront Alec about his sinful life.
Mr. Clare's direct rebuke of Alec leads to a public insult.