Historical Context

Question 1

What was the Industrial Revolution? (4 points)

Answer 1

A process of profound economic, social, cultural and technological transformations (1760-1840)

Its impact extended to all areas of society
+ Advances in transportation
+ Improved productivity
+ Increased per capita income

Led to increased unemployment rates in rural areas – possibly indicated in the novel by Tess needing to find a job

Many people left the countryside to work in towns and cities for income

Question 2

How is the Industrial Revolution referenced in TOTD? (3 points)

Answer 2

The novel is set in both a time and place of societal transition from the agricultural to the industrial

The rural English towns and farm women often represent Hardy’s idea of Nature

Machines and upper-class men are associated with the modernizing forces of industrialization

Question 3

What is Hardy’s relation to the Industrial Revolution? (2 points)

Answer 3

Hardy’s Dorset was the poorest and least industrialised county in Britain, and the farm labourers led difficult, often unrewarding lives

It was not uncommon to find women and children in the fields - their labour was frequently used as a cheap substitute for men’s work

Question 4

What is Hardy’s opinion of the Industrial Revolution? (3 points)

Answer 4

Hardy was deeply critical of industrial modernity

The Industrial Revolution was in the process of destroying agricultural life

The subsequent shifting of population caused a disintegration of rural customs and traditions that had meant security, stability, and dignity for the people

Question 5

What is the context behind the Age of Doubt? (4 points)

Answer 5

During the Victorian era, there was much controversy around belief systems and opinions surrounding the creation of the Universe

Darwin’s theory of evolution opposed the belief that God was the sole creator of the Universe and all living people

Geologists discovered evidence of Earth’s processes, proving it was at least 1000 years older than the Bible suggested

This led to people questioning what was written in the Book of Genesis, creating tension and doubt for religious Victorians