Uniqueness and Universality in Tess of the DUbervilles :: Tess of the dUrbervilles Essays

Uniqueness and Universality in Tess of the DUbervilles She can flirt, she can listen, she can sympathize, she can work with her hands. (Hardy 131) The above line from Hardys Tess of the dUrbervilles demonstrates a great deal well-nigh the themes of the novel as well as the character of Tess. The line reprinted above is supposed to reveal the versatility of Tess character. However, it also reveals a good deal that helps us generalize Hardys central theme of the book. This is because the versatility of Tess persona is what makes her unique. However, she is purity, fortitude, wo while and suffering personified. N mavintheless, she is herself and no other person, unlike any other woman. This contrast of her universal qualities but her individual differences is epoch-making to understanding one of Hardys core themes if not the core theme in the novel Tess is a symbol of the common predicament of all public-we are meant to suffer, do and repealure. However, despite this universalit y Tess pain is made to seem unique by Hardys skill. In her unique vitality and versatility we understand the universality and unique phenomena of tragedy. The character of Tess is one that symbolizes the positive aspects of life, but she represents the unrealized potential that is within all human beings as much as she comes to symbolize how so very often we end up differently than we might. Of course, her universality is also embodied within the Christian community wherein she exists, but she also represents as do others in the novel the irreligious nature of mankind underneath the surface of social appearances. Like the line reprinted at the outset, Tess unique nature despite being an example of common mankind is also evidenced when she rejects the vicar and his church. The vicar refuses to give her child a Christian burial and Tess replies, Then I dont like you, she burst out, and Ill never come to your church again (Hardy 147). However, this is not meant to generate Tess reje cting God or men of God, but, instead, it is designed to show us how sensitive and clear-headed Tess is when facing those who are so heartless that even when they are a man of God they could heartlessly act. She once again symbolizes the common lot of mankind (to be sensitive to heartlessness and human deprivation), but she also symbolizes a