Significance of Jacomo

Jacomo symbolizes the ultimate culmination of Tess’ journey. As both the person she pretended to be and one who followed her entire adventure, Jacomo shows both Tess and the reader the effect Tess had on the world. Even his own worldview changes throughout his personal journey, as he realizes that Tess is better than people give her credit for. He is the only human remnant of her old life willing to understand and join her on the road, as her mother believes she is dead and Jeanne condemns her unwillingness to return. Yet, despite their rough past, Tess accepts him, something a younger her never would have done.