The book was controversial when first published and deemed “socially unacceptable” by some as Hardy’s uniquely feminist portrayal of Tess challenged the sexual morals of the time.
Thomas Hardy was an English author and poet whose writing style incorporated elements of both realism and Romanticism. His works often examined class differences, socioeconomic status, and religion through a critical lens. Hardy was best known for his novels, including The Mayor of Casterbridge, Tess of the d’Urbervilles, and Jude the Obscure, but preferred to regard himself primarily as a poet and not a novelist.