Assignment

Course title: Research Methodology

Course code: ENG4300

(Summer -2023)

Submitted To

Mohammad Jashim Uddin

Department of English
Northern University Bangladesh

Submitted By

Name: Afrin Sultana Helen

ID: 47190301422
Semester: Summer 2023

Department of English
Northern University Bangladesh

Date of Submission: 19/08/2023

 1.Introduction:
1.1 Background of the study:

A novel by Thomas Hardy (1840-1928), published in 1891. The work brought Hardy fame,
fortune, and critical acclaim; however, it caused controversy, for instance by describing the
eponymous heroine as ‘A Pure Woman’. The author draws attention to society’s double
standards. Thomas Hardy's 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles' is a novel that deals with the complexities
of gender and nature, and how they intersect in the lives of the characters. Thomas Hardy's 'Tess
of the D'Urbervilles' is a classic novel that explores various themes, including gender and nature.
The novel depicts the story of Tess, a young woman who faces numerous challenges and
struggles in a patriarchal society. Tess's relationship with nature is an essential aspect of the
novel, as it serves as a symbol of her inner self and the external forces that shape her life. In this
research proposal, we aim to explore the relationship between nature and gender in 'Tess of the
D'Urbervilles' and how it influences the characters' lives and actions.

1.2 Statement of the problem:

This is to explore the relationship between gender and nature as presented in Thomas Hardy's
novel "Tess of the D'urbervilles". The novel portrays the protagonist, Tess, as a victim of social
and cultural norms that restrict women's freedom and agency. The study aims to analyze how
nature functions as a site of resistance for Tess against patriarchal society, and how it influences
her identity and actions. Overall,

1.3 Objectives of the study:

This research is examining how Hardy uses the natural world to shape and reflect the social and
gender norms of Victorian England. Through analyzing the protagonist Tess's relationship with
nature and how it is intertwined with her experiences as a woman, the objective is to explore the
ways in which gender and social class intersect with the natural world, and how this ultimately
impacts Tess's fate.

1.4 Research Questions:

➢ How does the portrayal of nature in 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles' reflect gender roles and
expectations?
➢ What is the significance of the natural setting in the novel and its impact on the
characters?
➢ How does Tess's relationship with nature reflect her struggle for independence and
agency in a patriarchal society?
➢ In what ways do gender and nature intersect in the novel, and how do they shape the
characters' identities and actions?

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1.5 Significance of the study:

This is work that explores the relationship between nature and gender. The research highlights
the ways in which gender roles and societal expectations can shape one's relationship with the
natural world The novel challenges traditional gender roles by presenting a female protagonist
who is not afraid to challenge societal expectations and who seeks to define herself on her own
terms. The study of nature and gender in this novel significant as it provides insights into the
social and cultural context of the time, highlights the intersectionality of gender and nature,
challenges traditional gender roles, and raises important questions about our relationship with the
natural world.

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