EPIPHANIC REVELATION OF REALITY IN THOMAS HARDY’S TESS OF THE D’URBERVILLES

Abstract

This inquiry is designed to investigate the impact of epiphany in broadening, deepening and sharpening human understanding. The study focuses on Thomas Hardy’s novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles by analyzing how epiphany worked as a psychological flash of insight to shape out the understanding and actions of its protagonist Angel Clare. The interpretation of the text in the backdrop of theoretical understanding of epiphany reveals that the novel imbibes epiphanic revelation of reality. The protagonist of the novel experiences epiphany which culminates in his realization about the truth of things. Epiphany plays a vital role in his character; it not only deepens and sharpens his understanding but also shapes out his further course of action. He receives a psychological flash of insight that transforms his understanding about the reality. There is an unexpected alteration in his perception of life; what seems to him impure or immoral is no more immoral.