How important is setting to Tess’ frame of mind in the novel? Pay close attention to the description of Marlott, Talbothays and Flintcomb-Ash.

Throughout many of the scenes in the novel “Tess of the D’Urbervilles” Hardy makes reference to some of the social concerns at the time. He shows the agricultural revolution by setting the scenes in a poor, simple hardworking country style context. The role of the women is shown as they cook, clean and take care of the children in there derelict homes. The religious ideas where that women were meant to be pure (virgins) until marriage. Hardy’s stance on these issues where that this was completely wrong and that women and men should be given equal rights, as it was thought to be okay if men lost there virginity before marriage.

Before Tess went to Flintcomb-ash and Talbothays she lived the average lifestyle in the countryside showing the financial difficulties that affected many people. Tess plays a large role in here family as her farther isn’t a good provider for her and the family. Her farther works as a haggler but drinks excessively so is therefore unable to provide a stable life for his children to grow up in.

However from the start of the novel he shows that Tess is different as she has a deep innocence about her but something is troubling her inside. He shows she is special by using a number of signifiers such as the red bow she wears in her hair. “She wore a red ribbon in her hair and was the only one of the white company who could boast of such a pronounced adornment”, this quote suggests Tess is proud of who she is and feels the need to stand out. The colour red represents love, passion, beauty and lust all of which Tess has and that she will soon break free from this average life.

Once Tess has left Trantridge after her disastrous and horrific experiences there. She goes back to her parents in Marlott