Tess of the D'Urbervilles

ISBN 978-1-86478-077-2

The smartstudy® English guide to Tess of the D’Urbervilles is an in-depth aid to understanding Thomas Hardy’s controversial novel. First published in 1891, Tess of the D’Urbervilles caused a scandal as it depicts a woman giving birth to a child out of wedlock and later committing murder. Through the novel, Hardy comments on the structures of nineteenth century society and explores the notions of gender roles, destiny, free will, religion and the decline of the traditional agricultural lifestyle. It is one of Hardy’s most moving and poetic novels.

Key Features:

• notes about the author/director/poet/playwright
• an overview of the historical and cultural context
• chapter/scene/story summaries
• character profiles
• analysis of themes and genres
• critical perspectives of the text
• key quotations
• focus questions in each section
• marginal notes explaining key passages, ideas, terms and characters
• a guide to planning and writing an essay
• tips on how to use examination time efficiently
• a sample essay with annotations
• further exam-style essay questions
• a bibliography and further reading section

$16.95

(GST Inc.)