Tess of the D’Urbervilles and The French Lieutenant’s Woman Essay Example

Ernestina. Deep down, he worries that Ernestina may turn out to be like Mrs. Poultney- a sad and dull woman who finds pleasure in terrorizing those who work for her. Sarah, the French Lieutenant's woman, is an intriguing character. Initially, we see her in a situation similar to Tess; someone who had her virginity taken by a man she did not love.

As the novel continues, it becomes clear that Tess' tragedy is imposed upon her, while Sarah willingly embraces shame. Money played a significant role in the lives of Victorian women. Ernestina's tragedy reflects the views held during that era. In Victorian society, individuals who earned their money through business were considered inferior to those who inherited their wealth. This concept may seem peculiar, as someone who works hard to earn their money should be deserving of more respect than someone who is simply given it.

Ernestina's grandfather works as a draper, implying that she is not of noble birth and that her inheritance will be considered tainted. Due to this circumstance, she is thrilled about marrying Charles and becomes even more bitter when Charles loses his uncle's inheritance and eventually falls out of love with her. Both Tess and Sarah come from impoverished families, which continues to haunt them in the future. Alec D'Urberville attempts to assist Tess's destitute family in order to win her affection. The fact that these two self-reliant women are economically disadvantaged makes it relatively easier for men who desire to possess them.

One of the key distinctions between the two novels is the hundred-year time divide. In writing The French Lieutenant's Woman, John Fowles had the advantage of reflecting on and

assessing Victorian society from a historical standpoint. He was able to draw connections between the 1800s and his own era. In fact, a significant irony in Fowles' novel is that despite Sarah being inherently free-spirited, she is born and confined within a narrow-minded and hypocritical society. Fowles suggests that if Sarah had been born in the socially progressive 1960s, her spirit would have been fulfilled.

Both Tess and Sarah, who come from impoverished backgrounds, have received a good education, which is evident in their intellectual depth. However, Ernestina, the daughter of a wealthy businessman, lacks the same level of maturity and depth in her thoughts. This suggests that although Ernestina may have received a more expensive education, she has led a sheltered life without the experiences that Tess and Sarah have had.

The theme of evolution is highly significant in The French Lieutenant's Woman. Initially, Sarah appears to be comparable to Tess. However, she ultimately reveals herself to be distinctly dissimilar. Similarly, Charles and Ernestina both possess superficial qualities at the outset. A crucial aspect of the novel is Charles' ability, as a man, to develop and improve, unlike Ernestina, who is constrained by societal limitations placed on women. The role of women in Victorian society primarily revolved around their involvement in personal relationships.

Their mission was to locate a wealthy gentleman, wed him, and ensure his contentment. This man was revered as almost divine to them, and they acknowledged that in order to maintain his happiness, they must fulfill his every desire. Ernestina and Mercy Chant serve as prime examples of this submissive role. The way men perceived women in marital unions contrasted significantly. Alec D'Urberville desired

Tess to be his adoring homemaker, responsible for cooking, cleaning, engaging in conversation, and engaging in intimate activities when requested. Similarly, Charles viewed Ernestina as a mere decorative object.

These two men share the belief that women are merely objects to be owned, much like the fine mansion and horse and carriage that a Victorian gentleman should possess. Owning a wife, preferably one with a substantial inheritance and a noble title, is seen as an essential status symbol for these men in Victorian society. The statement 'Charles was like most men of his time; he simply couldn't believe that any woman could, in any way, actively enjoy lust' sheds light on the nature of relationships during this era.

The concept of ownership is revisited, questioning why an item would take pleasure in fulfilling its natural functions. The only relationship in both novels that could be deemed favorable by contemporary standards is the one between Sam and Mary. Oddly enough, this uncomplicated and passionate relationship is disapproved by outdated remnants of Victorian society such as Mrs. Poultney, who view it as 'contrary to God's desires'. Both dominant and submissive female characters are present throughout the novels.

In both novels, Tess and Sarah strive for dominance, but the men in their lives impose enough pressure on them to make them more submissive. Similarly, Ernestina and Mercy Chant tend to be passive in their relationships, though Ernestina transforms into a more dominant figure after Charles abandons her. Ironically, it is the assertive women who ultimately suffer as victims in both stories. Moreover, the fact that the women in both books are primarily defined by their relationships with others raises a compelling

question: do their characters flourish or decline as a result of this portrayal?

In summary, Tess and Sarah's lives end tragically, while Mary is the only one who finds happiness with Sam. This suggests that the women's fate is closely tied to their relationships with men. Both authors seem to suggest that a woman cannot create her own happiness and fortune.