[hardy-l] Joan's guilt

[JoAnna Mink]

Rosemarie asked, "Is this in the belief that Tess would wish it? Or because Angel is Tess's legal husband --and should be told? Or because she- Joan - feels guilty about the part she's played in Tess's downfall ?"
 
I think, whether we're considering the novel or the last two film adaptations (1999 and 2008), that Joan's main impetus is feeling guilty.  Perhaps she recognizes some truth in Tess's earlier claim that she should have told her more about men-folk (prior to going to Trantridge).  Certainly, Joan realizes that Tess has suffered to a much, much greater extent than any of her choices or actions warrant, partly because, although she and Tess aren't very much alike, she recognizes Tess's sensitive nature.
 
And, even if she didn't connive with Alec at the end (our recent thread), she has to feel guilty because Tess has sacrificed herself (again) for the family's economic well-being; Tess is doing for the family what neither of her parents have been able to do: provide for the children.  And, I would think it natural that Joan would believe that Tess would like to see Angel again, if only to know that he did eventually come back for her.  (And maybe she feels sorry for Angel since he clearly has suffered.)   I doubt the legality (Rosemarie's second option) had much, if anything, to do with it.
 
Am enjoying this discussion,
JoAnna
 
 
JoAnna S. MinkProfessor Emerita of English
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