Is it symbolism or setting that most helps us to comprehend characters and events in Tess of the D'urberville"

In the novel, Tess of the D'urbervilles, Hardy uses settings and symbolism to assist the reader to comprehend the characters and events. The particular setting refers to the environment and atmosphere in which the character exists at a particular point in time. The settings serve to reflect the characters nature and their inner emotions as well as reveal the nature of the places. Furthermore it influences how a character behaves. Tess's home, Marlott, and the locations of her travel, such as Talbothay's Dairy, Flintcomb-Ash and Stonehenge all have significant meaning. Marlott is a small village; Talbothay's Dairy is a fertile place where as Flintcomb-Ash is rugged. At the end of the novel, Tess arrives at Stonehenge. Within each of these settings are symbolic elements that supplement and give a...