Tess

The story takes place in Thomas Hardy's Wessex during the Victorian period. The events of the story are set in motion when a clergyman, Parson Tringham, has a chance conversation with John Durbeyfield, a simple farmer. The farmer soon becomes fixated upon the idea of using his noble lineage to better his family's fortunes. He and his wife send their daughter Tess to call on his presumed relations, and seek employment at the manor house.