Tess Of The D'Urbervilles

Set in the rural, impoverished Wessex, the novel follows 16-year-old Tess Durbeyfield, who learns of her noble ancestry. After a tragic accident involving her family's horse, Tess faces societal judgment and personal tragedy, including the birth of an illegitimate child. Hardy's exploration of sexual morality and women's rights in late Victorian England sparked controversy upon release, yet the story ultimately portrays Tess as a resilient figure challenging societal norms. This work is now celebrated as a cornerstone of 19th-century literature.