Thomas Hardy - Tess of the D'Urbervilles

[Azygous]

I read this book over the summer and I noticed some very socialist ideals. For example, the dairy farm where Tess had the happiest time of her life was a place where everyone was on an equal level. It's true the farmer owned everything, but they all lived in the same house and ate the same food, the rich (Angel) and the poor (Tess) were able to fall in love in an equal environment.

Hardy doesn't criticize capitalism per se, but really more of the rural society and economy and the relationship between the poor and the rich.

Hardy > Dickens IMHO.

[loobylane]

Yes, Hardy and Dickens both had great empathy for the downtrodden and oppressed. Tess herself makes a great allegory for the 'lower' classes. I love this book, it's so moving. It should prompt people to action, recommend it to all your indifferent or capitalist friends!