Tess of the d'Urbervilles

In Thomas Hardy's "Tess of the d'Urbervilles," young Tess Durbeyfield seeks to improve her family's fortunes by asserting their lineage to the aristocratic d'Urbervilles. However, her encounter with the unscrupulous Alec d'Urberville leads to suffering and moral dilemmas. Although Tess finds a chance at genuine love with Angel Clare, her troubled past looms over her, forcing her to confront an agonizing decision. Hardy's critique of societal double standards and his portrayal of Tess as a complex, enduring character have captivated readers since its publication.