Tess of the D'Urbervilles

Tragedy strikes for Tess, after which she leaves home to work in a dairy, where shes so taken by parsons son and wistful harpist Angel Clare that shes soon taking surreptitious peeks at his bare backside. Its not long before theyre strolling in the bluebells as Angel falls headfirst for Tesss charms. But will his dad approve of Angels devotion when a more suitable match awaits him? As her life starts to unravel, Tess shows signs of having some gumption, but shes still, to modern eyes, an infuriating drip. Even so, it all looks delightful, a bit like a promotional video for the verdant joys of Thomas Hardy Country.

After her father takes ill and dies, Tess finds herself penniless having breached her worked contract. Alec DUberville hasnt stopped pursuing her and offers to take care of her mother, brothers and sisters but she rejects him. Homeless, they set up camp at DUrberville manor and Alec tells her she has no choice but to succumb to his wishes. Meanwhile, Angel Clare returns from Brazil having contracted yellow fever and in poor health. He sets about looking for Tess but by the time he finds her, she is well established as DUbervilles mistress. Still in love with Angel, she takes a drastic step before running away with him. They then have only a few days together before it all comes to its inevitable end.