Thesis: Hardy is concerned with the natural cycles of the world, and the disruption caused by convention, which usurps nature's role. He combats convention with the voice of the individual and the continuing circularity of nature. Phase the First: The Circles of Life The circularity of life is a major theme of the novel. Hardy treats it as the natural order of things. The structure of the novel reflects this reigning image of the circle …showed first 75 words of 1530 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1530 total…of the herons observing Angel and Tess as well as their final parting at the circle of stones. Ultimately, Tess's death completes a cycle which begins with the image of the D'Urberville tombs. Finally, life continues without the continued existence of Tess, Alec or John. Nature, as Hopkins writes "is ne'er spent." The individuals who carry out its cycles and designs are ultimately part of the greater scheme which continues despite the imposition of convention.