In the opening of the novel, there is a strong emphasis on Tess' ancestry. Tess' father is very proud and eager to "claim kin" as he thinks it will benefit the family in some way. There are many small details that prepare readers what is to come later. If it isn't so important, Hardy will not have opened the story in such a way.

Beauty is a luxury but in Tess' situation, it leads her to danger. There are many occasions where Hardy describes Tess' beauty. "She was a fine and handsome girl" and people will "grow momentarily fascinated by her freshness." Due to her appearance, she is a potential victim of lust. Besides her beauty, her innocence and compliant personality make her doubly susceptible to the evilness of the world. "She was mere vessel of emotion untinctured by experience." She doesn't know what the world is like and hardly knows how to express her discomfort. Readers sense her helple

Tess is clearly portrayed as a victim of Fate. She cannot control her own destiny despite the many attempts she makes. Her fate is predestined. She was "doomed" to it. "It was to be." There are many occasions when Tess could have been rescued from the situation. However, other factors will lead her back to the road where she will meet her fate.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Thomas Hardy, Maiden' Tess, Tess Alec, Trantridge Chaseborough, Tess Trantridge, Syrinx Lotis, D'Urbervilles Essay, scene alec, tess d'urbervilles, ¥the maiden', live blighted, prepare readers,
Approximate Word count = 805
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)