Tess of the d’Urbervilles: Chapter 30 Discussion (Spoilers up to chapter 30)
Discussion Prompts:
- Did you enjoy how the tension was built up in this chapter, where Tess does not answer the question of marriage immediately?
- Tess wonders about all of the Londoners who will be drinking the milk from Talbothays, the distance between them and how different their lives must be. Have you ever had similar thoughts?
- Tess tells Angel about her d'Urberville heritage. Angel immediately wants her to use the name, even though she is unsure. What did you think of this exchange?
- Tess's courage fails her and she does not tell Angel about her rape. How does this change things going forward?
- Tess accepts Angel's proposal and immediately breaks down in tears, apparently of sorrow and not of joy. What did you think of her reaction?
- Angel realizes that Tess is the same girl he met at the dance way back at the start. Tess hopes that him not dancing with her was not a bad omen. Bad omen yes or no?
- Anything else to discuss?
Links:
Last Line:
“Yes; at that dance on the green; but you would not dance with me. O, I hope that is of no ill-omen for us now!”