An Irreversible Tragedy-Exploring Tess Of The D'urbervilles From The Perspective Of Trauma Theory

Tess of the D'Urbervilles,published in 1891,is a very popular work by the famous British writer Thomas Hardy.It takes Wessex as the background,showing us a vivid picture of the English countryside after the 1870 s.Moreover,after its publication,Tess of the D'Urbervilles has been adapted into movies several times,which adequately shows its great popularity with its readers.This thesis tries to use the trauma theory to interpret Tess of the D'Urbervilles.As one of the poor peasantry,Tess has suffered lots of misfortunes and disasters in the influence of economic changes and the old customs in the Victoria era.Through the application of Herman's trauma theory,this thesis tries to analyze the traumas,causes,and symptoms of Tess.Without any sympathy and help,Tess gradually goes towards destruction in tragedy in the long-term torment of sufferings.There are five parts in this thesis:The first part is a brief introduction to Thomas Hardy,Tess of the D'Urbervilles as well as the literature review and the framework of trauma theory.The second part is chapter one of the thesis,which mainly discusses the causes of Tess' s traumas.Living in an alienated environment,Tess is often in deep distress with inequitable social judgments.Furthermore,depressive gender relations have also become an impossible burden on the fragile Tess.The third part is chapter two of the thesis,which mainly analyzes the trauma symptoms of Tess.Facing the long-term sufferings,Tess' s self is gradually destroyed.Eventually under various burdens,Tess bursts out her hysteria.The fourth part is chapter three of the thesis,which mainly discusses Tess' s failure from trauma recovery.Tess failed in establishing safety,telling traumatic experiences and reconnecting with others.Trauma finally becomes an intractable pain for Tess,which is echoed in Herman's trauma theory.Finally,it concludes that Tess' s traumas have become an intractable pain under great depression.Traumatic experiences have left an indelible impact on her mind,which results in an irreversible tragedy.