Tess of the d'Urbervilles is a novel by Thomas Hardy that tells the story of a young woman named Tess Durbeyfield who is caught in the midst of societal expectations and constraints. Set in the late 19th century in rural England, the novel explores themes of love, class, and gender roles through the experiences of Tess, who is ultimately undone by the societal expectations placed upon her.
One important element of Tess of the d'Urbervilles is the role of Stonehenge in the novel. Stonehenge is a pre-historic monument located in Wiltshire, England, and is considered to be one of the most famous and mysterious structures in the world. In the novel, Stonehenge serves as a symbol of the ancient, timeless forces that shape and influence the lives of the characters.
For Tess, Stonehenge represents the weight of history and the power of tradition. She is a daughter of the ancient d'Urberville family, and as such, is expected to uphold the honor and reputation of her ancestors. However, Tess struggles with this expectation and ultimately succumbs to the societal pressure placed upon her. This is exemplified in the scene where Tess is brought to Stonehenge by her husband, Angel Clare, and is told to "look upon the stones, and see how many brave things have been done for love." The stones represent the long history of love and struggle that has come before Tess, and the expectations that she must fulfill as a result.
Furthermore, Stonehenge serves as a symbol of the power dynamics at play in the novel. The ancient monument represents the dominant forces that shape and control Tess's life, such as the rigid societal expectations and the patriarchal power structures that govern her actions. The stones also represent the unyielding nature of these forces, as they stand tall and unchanged despite the passing of time.
In conclusion, Stonehenge plays a significant role in Tess of the d'Urbervilles as a symbol of the ancient, timeless forces that shape and influence the lives of the characters. It represents the weight of history and tradition, as well as the power dynamics at play in the novel. Through its portrayal in the novel, Stonehenge serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of societal expectations and the power of tradition in shaping our lives.