Tess of the d'Urbervilles: Chapter 54 Summary & Analysis

Angel sets out to find Tess. He passes by Cross-in-Hand, the sinister stone where Tess swore to never tempt Alec again, and continues on to Flintcomb-Ash. He finds that she is not there, and that when she was she never called herself “Mrs. Clare,” but only went by her maiden name. Angel begins to appreciate the hardships Tess has endured alone.

Angel next goes to Marlott to find out where the Durbeyfields are. Spring has hardly begun in the Vale of Blakemore. There is a new family in the Durbeyfield house who lives happily in their place, and Angel cannot help but hate the place for not containing Tess. The children tell him that the Durbeyfields intended to go to Kingsbere.

On his way out of town Angel passes by the field where he first saw Tess at the May-Day dance, and he sees John Durbeyfield's grave marked with “How Are The Mighty Fallen.” A stranger approaches and says that the headstone has not even been paid for, and Angel finds the mason and pays the debt.

Angel goes next to Kingsbere and finds Joan's house. She is unwelcoming to him and won't tell him where Tess is. The children ask if this is the man come to marry Tess, but Joan shoos them away. She says Tess would not want Angel to find her, but he begs until she finally reveals that she is at Sandbourne. Angel asks if they need anything, but Joan says they are well taken care of. Angel catches the train to Sandbourne.