Educational Media Reviews Online

Tess of the D'Urbervilles: A Critical Guide to the Novel provides a carefully developed critical overview of the novel described by one of Thomas Hardy's contemporary critics as "the greatest tragedy since Shakespeare." The program begins with a brief biographical sketch of Hardy, focusing on events in his life which possibly influenced the development of the novel. Hardy was well educated with a secure family life, but he was always of aware of those less fortunate in society, and "possessed the ability to see through the conventional morality of his time to the essential human being beyond."From primeval woodlands to images of animal and plant life, Hardy's use of nature to symbolize the human condition runs throughout the novel and is discussed extensively in this program. Contrasts in society, including Paganism vs. Christianity, the Agrarian Society vs. the Industrial Society, and "old" vs. "new" are all examined as integral components of Thomas Hardy's body of work. Although Tess of the D'Urbervilles is the focus of this program, the critical analysis provides insight into Hardy as a writer, and his works in general. Hardy has been often criticized as pedantic and overly-philosophical, with a writing style so complex that passages often require reading repeatedly in order to fully understand them. The program is effective in makingHardy's work more accessible to the serious reader.The program successfully utilizes a wide variety of text, appropriate literary illustrations, and beautiful video footage to explore the world of Thomas Hardy and his characters. The audio/video quality of this program is exceptionally high. Tess of the D'Urbervilles: A Critical Guide to the Novel provides an excellent research source for the study of Thomas Hardy and his work. While the program could be useful for senior high school students, it would be most appropriate in academic libraries, particularly those with a strong English Literature curriculum support area.