How much did Tess know?
Posted by Kay on September 07, 1998 at 15:23:50:
In response to Some irony, then..., written by Katt on September 07, 1998 at 14:19:12
] But if viewed in this light, it because bitterly ironic that Tess, who only wanted to follow the rules, becomes the one to break them most flagrantly. Just an something interesting, I thought...
Do you think Hardy wants to tell his audience that circumstances can force even the best of us to go wrong? After all, he calls her a "pure woman." And did Tess break the rules flagrantly or was she violated?
I was wondering how much about sex Tess knew. First, Tess has misgivings about going to live with the D'Urbervilles but doesn't know quite why. Second, her mother doesn't warn her about what men can do, thinking it would make her more reserved and spoil her chances if she did. But then, later she tells Car: "And if I hand know you was of that sort, I wouldn't have so let myself down as to come with such a whorage as this is!" Does she know the full meaning of the word, "whore"?
In other words, how innocent (or ignorant) do you thing Tess was at the start of her adventure?
- I meant... Katt 16:02:37 9/07/98
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