[Hardy-l] Tess

[Rosemarie Morgan]

If Pauline only saw the last episode then the "mansion" she refers to must 
surely be the site of "consummation" on the night before Tess's 
arrest.  Hardy didn't entitle this section "Fulfilment" for nothing. Nor, 
surely, would the cleaner have scurried away feeling she'd witnessed a most 
tender love scene had there been no intimacy?

On a more personal level I feel that that last night of fulfilment is 
particularly important in empowering Tess at the last to turn and face her 
arresting officers with that courageous steadiness of hers: "I am ready."

One is ready to take on the whole world after a night of sexual ecstasy.

Cheers,
Rosemarie

>One of the most important things about Tess and Angel in the mansion, is 
>tragedy of misperception, while tearing the two of them apart, links 
>everything in the story together.  Best regards, Joan Sheski