Contrary to Roland Barthes' post-structuralist theory on The Death of the Author, the context of Hardy's background is extremely relevant when critically evaluating any of his novels. Tess of the D'Urbervilles is saturated with examinations of the class issues of contemporary society. It is clear that she has a strong moral sense towards the rural classes, and Tess's class issues ultimately bring about her downfall. Most of Hardy's novels are very typical in their depiction of the people, lifestyles, moral constructs, and personal dilemmas of contemporary society, particularly regarding class conflicts. This essay aims to discuss Hardy's thematic representation of class within the novel Tess of the d'Urbervilles, Hardy's views on the theme of the peasant classes and the representation of class conflicts within early Victorian society which are examined throughout the text. Hardy originated from a working-class family. The son of a master bricklayer, Hardy was slightly above his agricultural peers. Hardy's analysis of class transition is usually similar to DH Lawrence's, that if you leave your circle you will die. The ambitious lives of characters in Hardy's novels such as Jude and Tess usually end fatally; as they attempt to free themselves from the constraints of their class, thus describing Hardy's view on the transition between classes. Hardy valued the morals and traditions of the lower classes, it is evident through reading Tess that his struggles are evidently permeated by the social sufferings of the working class. A central theme running through Hardy's novels is the decline of old families. Hardy himself is said to have traced the lineage of the Dorset Hardys and discovered that they were once of great i...... middle of paper ...... a wave of destruction is starting a new era in which Tess and her friends are replaced by machine. Hardy's novels are ultimately informed by his own examination of the contemporary world around him, Tess's life struggles are ultimately foreshadowed by the condemnation of her working-class background, which is uniquely explored throughout the text. The class struggles of his time are explored throughout his life in Marlott and the preconception of middle class ideals is challenged throughout Hardy's exploration of the rural class. Tess of the D'Urbervilles revolves around Hardy's views on Victorian social taboos and continues to be a highly influential piece by a novelist who did not conform to Victorian bourgeois literary standards. Works CitedHardy, Thomas. Tess of the D'Urbervilles. Penguin Putnam Inc: New York, NY. 2003. Print.