Tess of the D'Urbervilles

the long version

When Tess Durbeyfield is driven by family poverty to claim kinship with the wealthy D Urbervilles and seek a portion of their family fortune, meeting her cousin Alec proves to be her downfall. A very different man, Angel Clare, seems to offer her love and salvation, but Tess must choose whether to reveal her past or remain silent in the hope of a peaceful future. With its sensitive depiction of the wronged Tess and powerful criticism of social convention, "Tess of the D Urbervilles" is one of