In Thomas Hardy's tendentious Victorian novel, Tess of the D'Urbervilles, Hardy uses a tragic hero-like format to criticize the double standards of Victorian society . Its heroine, Tess, defies Victorian standards 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 society's ability to perceive her character. Tess embodies almost all the characteristics that the ideal Victorian woman should be; that is: modest, selfless, loyal, devoted, pure and beautiful. These traits are exemplified throughout the novel. Tess's beauty is undisputed; be defined as his "trump card". His selflessness and duty are exemplified in his respecting his parents' wishes to "claim kin," despite not knowing "what good will come of it." Tess is also cautious in pursuing her "love" for Angel out of modesty but, once married to him, is loyal even after acknowledging that he has "punished" her unfairly. On a characteristic level, Tess is "pure", "gentle" and exemplifies the model of the Victorian maiden. Despite this, Tess is “damned” and on her “beautiful feminine fabric” a “coarse pattern is traced”. This challenges the idea of ​​conventional heroinism as, despite fulfilling the abstract ideal, Tess is doomed and in the end “the woman pays”. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Throughout the novel, various members of society attempt to categorize and reduce Tess's complexity. Alec refers to Tess as a "temptress" and a "simple fool", 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] in thrall to [Angel's]". These statements aim to define Tess by her actions, her situation, or who the men in her life want her to be, as it was customary for women of the time to conform. Tess subverts this idea 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 silent strength to constantly 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 actions that attempt to challenge her purity and identity. . After being raped by Alec D'Urberville, and then becoming pregnant, she contests her and her illegitimate son's right to dignity, questioning the "liturgical reasons" that prohibit her son 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 treating her despite her premarital affairs – of conventionally justifying dishonor – and finally killing Alec "for [Angel]" as Tess feels justified. in action. Tess's rape, 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 execution. Tess doesn't let her actions define her character even after Angel insists "you were a woman, now you're another." Although Tess chooses not to be defined"..