The same novel now with Marxism

Marxism is a social, political and economic theory by Karl Marx according to which there should be no class differences within a

Society and that everyone within it should work towards a common goal. However in literature it deals with the application of this theory on literary works which reflects class struggle and materialism two very common objectives of Marxism and how through these works they give us glimpses to the society of that time.

As mentioned above Marxist literary theory focuses or arise from class struggle and materialism which examples can be found in literature in almost all ages. According to this theory society is divided different classes: the Bourgeoisie, and the Proletariat. This division cause inequality in the social balance and results in the exploitation of the poor by rich which is one of the main issue due to which Marxism came into existence and is also one of the main element of Marxism that can be seen in the literature.

Throughout history, class division and materialism has always been a big part of literature. Whether we look at the works of the universal genius Shakespeare or at Charles Dickens It has been always present. Even now many works display social differences and materialism has become a common occurrence in it.

Tess of the D'Urberville by Thomas Hardy, for instance has both class struggle and materialism and although they are not the main focus of the novel but is rather used as Plot device to set off the Action of the story. However its presence cannot be simply ignored. As it is the financial crisis that arise during the start of the novel novel when Tess family's horse prince dies which was the only source of income for the family “the bread winner had been taken away from them, what they would do” (Hardy 40) lead Tess to visit the fake D'Urbervilles and meet Alec, the root cause of all The tragedies and sufferings of her life.

Marxism in the novel can be also seen through the characters who perfectly present the class-structured society. The Durbervilles and the Clares are the elite families in the novel, Which makes them the Bourgeoisie. While Tess family and her three friends Marian, Izz and Retty represents the lower class, which is the Proletariat. It is this clear distinction of class presented in this novel that leads to class struggle and materialism of the characters in the novel. This can be seen in the way Tess parents treats the situation when Tess tells them that Alec might try to seduce her but instead stopping this situation from further developing, they tell her to take the job offered by Alec, secretly hoping that he may marry her which in turn will improve Tess family status and economic conditions.

'But do let her go....

He’ll marry her, most likely, and make a lady of her...

The class struggle can be also seen through Marian, Izz, and Retty, the milkmaids whom Tess befriends at the Talbothays Dairy , who are also from the lower class and are in love with Angel Clare and desire to be chosen by Angel as his wife, but they do know about the class difference that is between them and him,

And the following statement is a proof of it

“But how silly all this is!’ said Izz Huett impatiently. ‘Of course he won’t marry any one of us, or Tess either a gentleman’s son....

The importance of class and materialism is presented in the novel in many scenes, some of which are subtle which shows how common these elements are in literature as well as in society that they are simply stated with no further thoughts. For instance, when Angel decides to marry Tess and inform his family of his decision, the mother’s immediate question was “is she a lady?” (Hardy 181). While there are many other scenes where the importance of class status and materialism is clearly shown. For instance, when Tess father dies and they become homeless, it is Alec who with his economic superiority supports the homeless family and compelled Tess to surrender in front of him. “I have enough money both for you and your brothers and sister” (Hardy 355)

The above discussion regarding materialism and class status givesaway to another important element of Marxism in Tess of the D'Urbervilles which is the exploitation of proletariat by the bourgeoisie. This exploitation of the lower class is shown in many different forms throughout the novel whether it is through the means of love that Angel has for Tess in which lies his personal benefits. His decision for marrying Tess lies in the fact that she was a working lady, a milk maid. He had observed her skills and labor at Talbothey Dairy.

“I shall soon want to marry and being a farmer I shall require for my wife a woman who knows all about the management of farm. Will you be that woman Tessy” (Hardy.p.188).

Or through economic means which Alec Being an aristocrat and materialistically in strong position use to take advantage of Tess throughout the novel. Or the exploitation of surplus labor done by Tess because the owner of the farm was the same man who was beaten by Angel on account of humiliating Tess.

In conclusion it can be seen that the novel Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy has many elements of the theory of Marxism although it is not the center point of novel but it still does present many issues of class and materialism in society. Another important thing worth noting is that although Tess of the D'Urbervilles is a classic and times have changed but the core point which is class struggle and materialism is still very much present in our contemporary society. As in today's capitalist world almost all individuals are struggling to improve their social class and to get a stable standing in this chaotically fast world.

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