Abstract: Tess of the D’Urbervilles is the masterpiece of Thomas Hardy who is a Victorian critical realist writer. This thesis aims to analyze the causes of Tess’s inevitable tragedy from the perspective of feminism. The thesis falls into four parts in which Thomas Hardy and feminism are briefly introduced. The thesis points out that Tess’s inevitable tragedy results both from the social ideology in Tess’s time and her personal character. The thesis finally concludes that women’s low economic status, passive attitude towards marriage and poor education are the major factors which lead to Tess’s inevitable tragedy.

Key words: Tess of the D’Urbervilles; feminism; tragedy; causes

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1.Introduction.1

  1.1 Thomas Hardy 

  1.2 Tess of the D’Urbervilles

  1.3 Feminism 

2. Literature Review.2

3. A Feminist Interpretation of the Causes of Tess’s Tragedy 3

3.1 The Social Ideology in Tess’s Time

3.1.1 Women’s Economic Status 

3.1.2 Women’s Social Position  

3.1.3 Women’s Attitude to Marriage  

3.2 Tess’ Personal Character

  3.2.1 Passive Obedience in Character  

  3.2.2 Lack of Law Education  

  3.2.3 Sense of Guilt of Her Sexual Immorality

4. Conclusion .8

Bibliography.10

Acknowledgment11