The reviewer criticizes Tess of the d’Urbervilles, arguing that it portrays three morally flawed men and a weak, submissive Tess. They find the novel outdated and morally unacceptable, recommending it be forgotten.
The reviewer takes a strong stance against Tess of the d’Urbervilles, challenging the traditional view of Tess as a pure and innocent victim. Instead, they argue that the novel is about three morally bankrupt men—her father, Alec d’Urberville, and Angel Clare—who all contribute to her downfall. Tess is seen as weak and submissive, and the reviewer finds her actions and those of Angel particularly disturbing. They criticize the novel's outdated morals and recommend it be consigned to obscurity. The reviewer also expresses anger at the portrayal of Angel Clare, whom they see as hypocritical and cruel. Overall, they find the book morally unacceptable and outdated, advising against reading it.
Quick quotes
Utter rubbish! — And it’s about time Tess is consigned to the drawer of novels which once were popular and praised but now lie in obscurity
But equally bad, if not worse, is Angel Clare — the flawed ‘hero’ of the piece. He pursues Tess just as Alec did, only with more honour perhaps but then, after confessing his own infidelities on their wedding night, completely rejects Tess when she confesses the crime committed against her.
It is time for Hardy’s Tess to be put away as a book of its time but not of today.