Abstract: Thomas Hardy is a well-known English critical realistic writer in the late 19th century. His masterpiece Tess of the d’ Urbervilles presents readers the tragic fate of an ordinary peasant woman in Victorian times. Through the analysis of both external and internal factors, this paper aims to explore the causes of Tess’ s tragedy and demonstrate that her tragedy, which is not accidental but inevitable, is caused by both the society and her own character. Tess is just an innocent victim of her family and the society. Poverty resulting from the disintegration of peasant economy forces her to visit the d’ Urbervilles to support her family, which is the source of all her misfortunes. The unfair morals in patriarchal society and the influence of religion intensify Tess’ s miseries. Besides, her own character is an important factor that pushes her to tragedy. 

Key words: tragedy; Tess; external causes; internal causes

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction.1

2. Literature Review2

3. The External Causes of Tess’ s Tragedy3

3.1 Capitalist System

3.2 Patriarchal Society 

3.3 Religious Belief

3.4 Family Environment

4. The Internal Causes of Tess’ s Tragedy6

4.1 Her Rebelliousness

4.2 Her Kindness

4.3 Her Weakness

5. Conclusions 8

Bibliography9

Acknowledgements10