Phase 2: Maiden no More

How Tess must deal with all that has transpired is the central idea of this section. How she goes against societal norms on so many levels is a stark contrast for girls of her age during that time. While most of those in her village and family find it odd she did not marry Alec to increase her social standing, she values love over material stature. This allows us to still view her as a victim. From our standpoint at least. But from not marrying him and having a baby unchristened, and it later dying, those around her view it as her fault. But the context in which these acts have transpired upon her are not fully understood by simple onlookers. She cannot be with one she does not love, and that is unheard of for the time.