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Reading between the lines


 Posted by Kay on September 09, 1998 at 16:40:39:


In response to Sorrow, written by Cheryl on September 09, 1998 at 14:45:55


Back to the Library ] I suppose that the book would have been even more scandalous than it was perceived to be if Hardy had included those details.  Though perhaps it was a deliberate device on his part, to shock and surprise his readers...
The Victorians sensibilities were affected to be sure!  After the flack he got after "Far from the Madding Crowd" he probably felt he had to tread lightly.  (In that book an unmarried woman died in childbirth along with her infant.)  So we have to read between the lines to discover what happened to Tess.  Did anybody pick up any clues?  
 ] And those of you who have been assigning to Joan the greater blame in Tess' pain, what say you to Sir John refusing Tess the comfort of a baptism for her dying baby?!?  I say again, Grrrrrr!!
Both parents were equally to blame--Joan in setting forth Tess as bait and her father for being a do-nothing.
 ] The scenes of the baptism and Tess pleading with the parson for reassurance were very touching.  Wow. Powerful writing!
 I was in tears the whole time during those two scenes.  Yes, powerful writing, and a scathing attack on religious formalism over feelings.
 

 





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