Tess Of The D'urbervilles Strawberry Scene
Thomas Hardy's Tess of the D'urbervilles is a classic novel that tells the story of a young woman who is forced to confront the harsh realities of life in Victorian England. One of the most famous scenes in the book is the strawberry scene, which takes place early on in the novel and sets the tone for the rest of the story.
The Strawberry Scene
The strawberry scene takes place in the early part of the novel, when Tess is still a young girl living with her family in the rural countryside. Tess is sent by her mother to the D'urbervilles' house to claim kinship with them, as her father claims that they are distant relatives.
While at the D'urbervilles' house, Tess meets Alec, the son of the family. Alec is immediately taken with Tess and begins to flirt with her. He offers her a basket of strawberries, which she initially declines. However, she eventually gives in and eats the strawberries, which are described as being "luscious and fragrant."
The scene is significant because it marks the beginning of Tess's relationship with Alec, which ultimately leads to her downfall. The scene is also symbolic of the larger themes of the novel, including the contrast between the natural world and the artificial world of society.
The Symbolism of the Strawberry Scene
The strawberry scene is significant not only because it marks the beginning of Tess's relationship with Alec, but also because it is symbolic of the larger themes of the novel. The strawberries themselves are a symbol of temptation and desire, which are central themes in the novel.
The contrast between the natural world of the strawberries and the artificial world of society is also a major theme in the novel. The strawberries are described as being "luscious and fragrant," while the artificial world of society is described as being "stale and unprofitable."
Finally, the scene also foreshadows Tess's eventual downfall. Tess's decision to eat the strawberries is a moment of weakness that sets her on a path that will ultimately lead to her ruin.
The Importance of the Strawberry Scene in the Novel
The strawberry scene is one of the most important scenes in the novel because it sets the tone for the rest of the story. It establishes the contrast between the natural world and the artificial world of society, and foreshadows Tess's eventual downfall.
The scene also introduces Alec, who becomes one of the central characters in the novel. Alec's relationship with Tess is a major focus of the novel, and it all begins with the strawberry scene.
Finally, the scene is significant because it highlights the importance of choices in the novel. Tess's decision to eat the strawberries is a moment of weakness that sets her on a path that she cannot escape from. This theme of the importance of choices is central to the novel, and the strawberry scene is a perfect example of this.
Conclusion
The strawberry scene in Tess of the D'urbervilles is one of the most famous scenes in the novel. It marks the beginning of Tess's relationship with Alec, and sets the tone for the rest of the story. The scene is significant because it is symbolic of the larger themes of the novel, including the contrast between the natural world and the artificial world of society, and the importance of choices. Ultimately, the strawberry scene is a powerful moment in the novel that highlights the complexities of life in Victorian England.
