The novel centres around a young woman, Tess of the d'Ubervilles, who struggles to find her place in society. Her mother sends Tess, her eldest daughter, to beg money from relations with the obvious desire that Tess wed the rich Mr. d'Urberville. Thus begins a tale of woe in which a wealthy man cruelly mistreats a poor girl. Throughout the rest of this fascinating novel, Tess is tormented by guilt and vows to never marry. She is tested when she meets Angel, the clever son of a priest, and falls in love with him. After days of pleading, Tess gives in to Angel and consents to marry him, ultimately leading to heartbreak.