Traits Of Existentialism In The Character Tess Of Hardy’s Tess Of The D’Urbervilles

Abstract

This study probs into the exploration of the traits of existentialism in light of the selected novel. The approach of the study is qualitative and descriptive in nature. For this purpose, close text reading technique is used for analyzing the primary data that is the novel, Tess of the D’Urbervilles, and secondary resources are taken from books, journals, research articles web pages. The theory of existentialism has been employed as a search light to achieve the given objectives. The study explores existentialism which is a philosophical and literary perspective that focuses on the experience of an individual in understanding the world. It also reveals the struggle and challenges faced by an individual in order to pursue a meaningful life. This study reflects upon the freewill of an individual, valuing self and making choices of his own to lead a meaningful life and accept the consequences of the choices he makes. The work also explores how language in the novel is influenced by the particular thinking pattern of Existentialism.