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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What conditions does Tess place on her agreement to go live with the D'Urbervilles in Tantridge?

2. What is one of Tess's duties at the farm?

3. What does Angel threaten to do if Tess still refuses his proposals?

4. In Chapter 12, what does Tess decide to do after she's been at the D'Urberville mansion for a few weeks?

5. Which character, introduced in Chapter 10, picks on Tess?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 15, how does Hardy show that Tess is still suffering from depression and hopelessness?

2. What arguments does Angel give his parents to convince them that marrying Tess is a good idea?

3. Why is Tess upset when her baby becomes ill and dies, and what does this show about her attitude towards religion?

4. Angel receives different treatment from the Cricks than the other farm help does. How? Why does Hardy mention this in some detail?

5. How does Tess learn that Angel is in love with her, and what is her reaction?

6. What is the local superstition about butter with a funny taste?

7. Describe what happens when Angel arrives back at Talbothays after visiting his parents.

8. In Chapter 11, what happens between Alec and Tess?

9. What is Tess's reaction when Angel finally confesses his love for her?

10. What happens on the drive to Mrs. D'Uberville's home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Tess names her baby Sorrow. What is the significance of this name? And what is implied by the scene in which Tess buries Sorrow in a corner of the churchyard reserved for the 'ungodly.' Is this the point at which Tess loses her religious faith?

Essay Topic 2

Alec asks Tess to wear a veil so that she won't tempt him. Then he asks her to swear on a holy icon that she will never tempt him again. What does this scene say about Alec's attitude towards Tess particularly, and women in general?

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter 51, Tess contemplates the burial monuments of her ancestors, saying, "Why am I on the wrong side?" Is death the only realistic fate for Tess from here on? Or is there still a way that she could escape her 'fate'?

(see the answer keys)

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