Tess of the d’Urbervilles · Character

Mrs. d'Urberville

Alec's blind mother, who lives at The Slopes and is unaware of her son's actions.

minor

First appearance: v

Mrs. d'Urberville shows up with force in IX. The page is where that presence becomes real.

The blind old lady who owns the estate.

Mrs. d'Urberville first appears in 0008 v.

In IX: The blind old lady who owns the estate. She examines the fowls by touch and instructs Tess to whistle to her bullfinches.

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Angel Clare’s int…

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Mrs. d'Urberville appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

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