Tess of the d’Urbervilles: A Transitional Novel from Victorianism to Postmodernism

Abstract

This article analyses Hardy’s novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles a transitional novel from Victorianism to Postmodernism. As Tess of  the d’Urbervilles is a transitional novel from Victorianism to Postmodernism, Tess grows into a postmodern woman who is not under the control of Angel Clare when her identity is questioned and her morality, loyalty and character are decimated. She decides to live an independent life. She is not dependent on him. Tess of the d'Urbervilles demonstrates a shift away from the strict Victorian norms towards a more nuanced and introspective narrative, hinting at the emergence of postmodern themes in literature. Tess suffers like a Victorian woman and grows into a postmodern woman. This shows a transition from Victorianism to Postmodernism. This research is qualitative in nature. The novel is the first source of data collection. Books and research articles are secondary sources of data collection. Research approach is inductive. Research technique is interpretive content analysis.