In your essay, explore how Hardy employs narrative voice, symbolism, and social critique to shape Tess's moral identity in contrast to the hypocritical standards of Victorian society. Use specific textual evidence — including pivotal scenes like the assault in The Chase, Tess's confession to Angel Clare, and her final act at Stonehenge — to bolster your argument.

Your essay should tackle the following questions as part of your overarching claim:

• How does Hardy differentiate between moral purity and social respectability, and why is this distinction significant to his central argument?
• In what ways do Alec d'Urberville and Angel Clare each embody different yet equally harmful expressions of patriarchal power over Tess?
• How does Hardy utilize nature imagery and the Wessex landscape to reflect or complicate Tess's inner moral state?

Requirements

• Develop a clear, defensible thesis that goes beyond merely summarizing the plot
• Integrate at least four direct quotations from the novel
• Engage with Hardy's narrative intrusions (instances where the narrator offers commentary) as evidence of authorial intent
• Conclude by reflecting on the enduring significance of Hardy's critique of gender and social determinism

In your essay, you should:

> Reminder: Steer clear of plot summary. Your essay should focus on close textual analysis to support your argument.

Suggested length: 4–6 pages (approximately 1,000–1,500 words)

• Develop a clear, arguable thesis that explains what Hardy means by "purity" and whether the novel effectively supports that assertion.
• Analyze at least three specific scenes or passages from the novel as evidence, looking closely at Hardy's use of literary devices such as narrative voice, symbolism, imagery, and irony.
• Consider how social, moral, and class-based influences in Victorian society affect both Tess's situation and the reader's perception of her character.
• Acknowledge and address a counterargument to your position.

Guidance

• Your thesis should take a clear, defensible position on what Hardy conveys by "purity" and how the structure of the novel supports or challenges that interpretation.
• Examine how social class, gender, and fate intersect in Tess's journey.
• Evaluate Hardy's use of narrative voice and irony as tools of persuasion.
• Address at least one counterargument (for example, the perspective that Tess plays a role in her own downfall) and counter it with evidence.