The Function of Seasons in Thomas Hardy's Tess of the D'Urbervilles

In my thesis I will discuss the meanings of such natural elements which are in strong connection with seasons. By introducing the background information and impacts about Hardy’s birthplace, which probably influenced his thinking and writing style, we can understand his love towards ”Nature” and natural and seasonal elements in his Character and Environment novels, like in Tess of the d’Urbervilles. Furthermore, after the introductory part, I will analyse the possible senses of natural imageries, connected to seasons, in three separate units concentrating mainly on images of spring, summer and autumn-winter. My point will be to offer some approaches towards the issue of how the characters in the novel, more precisely Tess herself, and the seasonal symbols are related to each other and how the seasonal details influence Tess’s behaviour. Additionally, I will attempt to point out the fact that Tess goes through a kind of identity change, which is partly due to the effect of seasonal changes and the influencing power of nature. Finally, I will end my thesis with a conclusion part that discusses the importance of this project.Bscanglisztik