# Chapter XXVI explained — Tess of the d’Urbervilles

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters/xxvi
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tess_of_the_d_urbervilles_se/chapters