In Thomas Hardy's tendentious Victorian novel, Tess of D'Urberville, Hardy uses a tragic hero format to criticize double standards of Victorian society. . Its heroine, Tess, defies Victorian norms by maintaining her innate purity and refusing to be defined by society even after committing acts that should both taint and define her. Unlike a tragic hero, Tess's downfall is not due to a flaw in her character but rather to society's ability to perceive her character. Tess embodies almost all the characteristics that the ideal Victorian woman should be; that is to say: modest, selfless, loyal, respectful, pure and beautiful. These traits are illustrated throughout the novel. Tess's beauty is undeniable; being referenced as its “asset”. Her selflessness and duty are illustrated by her complying with her parents' wishes to "claim kinship", even though she does not know "what good it will do". Tess is also cautious in pursuing her "love" for Angel out of modesty, but, once married to him, she is faithful to him even after recognizing that he "punished" her unjustly. Characteristically, Tess is “pure,” “kind,” and embodies the model of a Victorian girl. Despite this, Tess is “doomed” and on her “beautiful feminine fabric” is “traced a crude pattern”. This challenges the idea of ​​conventional heroism because, although she has achieved the abstract ideal, Tess is doomed and ultimately "the woman pays." Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Throughout the novel, various members of society attempt to categorize and reduce Tess's complexity. Alec calls Tess a "temptress" and "a simple idiot", while Angel considers her a "goddess". She is also referred to as "simple", a "peasant", and her capacity for complexity and independent thought is dismissed by Alec as "her mind [being] enslaved to [Angel's]". These statements are intended to define Tess based on either her actions, her circumstances, or what the men in her life wish her to be, as it was customary for women of the time to conform. Tess turns this idea on its head by demanding to be recognized as an individual. She begs Angel to "call her Tess" and challenges her classification as a "peasant" by being a "peasant by position but not by nature". Tess uses her quiet strength to consistently assert her independence, which acts as a silent but powerful protest against the conventions of the time. However, it is not only the other characters, but also society's perception of Tess's own actions, that attempt to call into question her purity and identity. . After being raped by Alec D'Urberville, and thus becoming pregnant, she contests her right to dignity, as well as that of her illegitimate child, by questioning the "liturgical reasons" which forbid her child from being baptized . This action is a direct challenge to Victorian society to recognize her as a human being beyond her circumstances. Tess again challenges the impact of her actions on her status by accusing Angel of being "unfair" in his treatment of her despite his premarital affairs – to conventionally justify shame – and finally of having murdered Alec "for [Angel] ”, as Tess feels vindicated. in action. Tess' rape, her infidelity (for the sake of her family), and ultimately Alec's murder should doom Tess and yet she refuses to ignore the injustices inflicted on her despite accepting her »..