Beautiful Tess Durbeyfield lives a simple life helping her mother and father earn a living on their farm in a dying rural community. When her father discovers there may be connection between their family and wealthy d'Urbervilles, Tess is sent to work at the d'Urberville estate in a desperate attempt to "claim kin" and secure some of their fortune. However, innocent Tess is unprepared to meet the unscrupulous and lustful Alex d'Urberville, who seduces her and sends her home a ruined woman. When she is later courted by Angel Clare, she has the chance for true love and a good life—until her past comes back to haunt her, and forces her to make a decision that could be her downfall. Hardy's story of Tess of the d'Urbervilles is one of great tragedy, criticizing the hypocrisy and double standards of Victorian society.

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