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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 does Mr. Durbeyfield do after he talks to the parson?

3. On the trip to Tantridge, Tess considers returning home. Why?

4. Where does Angel first see Tess?

5. Where do Angel's parents live?

Short Essay Questions

1. What prompts Tess to leave the dance early, and what does this scene tell readers about her character?

2. How do Tess and Angel manage to spend time together at Talbothays?

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

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

5. In Chapter 10, one of the characters says "Out of the frying pan into the fire!" What is meant by this, and why does Hardy include this scene?

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

7. Angel uses the phrase "Three Leahs to get to one Rachel." What does he mean by this?

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

9. What kind of personality is Tess's mother?

10. What story does Tess hear at the farm that makes her resolve (again) not to marry Angel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At various points throughout the book, Tess seems undecided about whether she should tell Angel about her past. Do you think she should tell him, or not? If so, when should she tell him? In either case, back up your opinion with good reasons.

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

Thomas Hardy's subtitle refers to a 'pure' woman. Discuss this idea of 'purity' with respect to the main character. Is Tess a 'pure woman' - why or why not?

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