# XXVII explained — Tess of the d’Urbervilles

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

## What happens

Angel Clare returns to Talbothays Dairy after visiting his parents. He finds Tess Durbeyfield and they share an intimate moment, though Tess is troubled by the memory of Alec d'Urberville when Angel mentions his father's encounter with a 'lax young cynic' near Trantridge. Tess avoids answering Angel's marriage proposal, haunted by her past.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Angel's proposal and Tess's evasion underscore the tension between romantic love and societal expectations, especially Tess's fear that her past disqualifies her from marriage.

### Female Purity and Double Standards

Tess's haunted reaction to the mention of Alec d'Urberville reveals the burden of her sexual history and the double standard that condemns her while Alec remains unpunished.

### Religion and Hypocrisy

Angel's father's zealous evangelism and confrontation with Alec illustrate the clash between religious fervor and moral hypocrisy.

## Character check-ins

### Angel Clare

Returns to Talbothays after visiting his parents; expresses his love for Tess and presses her for an answer to his proposal.

### Tess Durbeyfield

Appears downcast and troubled; avoids Angel's question about marriage, disturbed by the allusion to Alec d'Urberville.

### Old Mr. Clare

Mentioned by Angel as having preached near Trantridge and confronted a 'lax young cynic' (Alec d'Urberville).

### Alec d'Urberville

Indirectly referenced as the 'lax young cynic' whom Angel's father confronted; his mention causes Tess distress.

### Mrs. Crick

Mentioned as having gone to market with Mr. Crick, leaving Tess and old Deb to skim.

### Dairyman Crick

Mentioned as having gone to market with Mrs. Crick.

## Key lines

> It seemed natural enough to him now that Tess was again in sight to choose a mate from unconstrained Nature, and not from the abodes of Art.

Angel felt that Tess, being a child of nature, was a more natural choice for a partner than someone from a refined, artificial background.

_Reflects Angel's idealization of Tess as a pure, natural being, contrasting with his own cultured upbringing._

> She spoke so unaffectedly that Angel was sure in his heart that his father could not object to her on religious grounds, even though she did not know whether her principles were High, Low or Broad.

Tess's sincere manner convinced Angel that his father would not disapprove of her religious beliefs, despite her ignorance of doctrinal labels.

_Highlights Tess's simplicity and Angel's attempt to reconcile her with his family's expectations._

> Tess's look had grown hard and worn, and her ripe mouth tragical; but she no longer showed any tremulousness.

Tess's expression became strained and sorrowful, yet she no longer appeared fearful or shaky.

_Shows Tess's internal turmoil upon hearing about Alec, and her growing resolve to hide her emotions._

## Links

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