Interpreting the Cause of Tess’ Tragedy: Dualism

Abstract

Tess is widely recognized as the "best novel" of the 19th century by British realist novelist Thomas Hardy. The female protagonist Tess of the novel has also become an immortal artistic figure in the minds of readers.Tess in the novel was born into a poor peasant family, but has the blood of a declining aristocratic lineage . So she not only inherited the humble obedience, tenacious fighting spirit, and survival ability of her grandmother's family, but also had the self-esteem and arrogance from the declining aristocrats of her father's family, as well as the tendency of self destruction. This fact about bloodline is reflected in Tess, which is the duality of her personality. This article analyzes Tess' behavior and demeanor in the novel, more importantly her reactions and choice made to certain matters of significance, focusing on her contradictions in terms of the following aspects, that is, her self-esteem and inferiority complex, her pursuit of instinctual desires, and her construction of a fortress of religious ethics in her heart, her tenacious fighting spirits and weakness in mind . It not only interprets the stubborn and weak willed personality traits of life, but also explains the decisive role of personality in Tess' tragic fate.