Joan Durbeyfield
Tess's mother, a simple and superstitious woman focused on social advancement.
Core Belief
"Joan believes that social standing and material wealth are the keys to happiness. She is driven by a desire to improve her family's circumstances, even if it means sacrificing their well-being or moral integrity."
Worldview
Joan sees the world as a place where luck and chance play a significant role. She relies on superstition and tradition to guide her decisions, and she has a limited understanding of the complexities of social and economic forces.
Personality
Joan is portrayed as simple-minded, superstitious, and primarily concerned with social advancement for herself and her family. She is a passionate lover of tune and often makes decisions based on the fortune-telling book. While she cares for her children, her focus is often on immediate gains and social climbing rather than long-term planning or moral considerations.
In Their Own Words
"“We must take the ups wi’ the downs, Tess,” said she; “and never could your high blood have been found out at a more called-for moment. You must try your friends. Do ye know that there is a very rich Mrs d’Urberville living on the outskirts o’ The Chase, who must be our relation? You must go to her and claim kin, and ask for some help in our trouble.”"
"“There _is_ a lady of the name, now you mention it,” said Durbeyfield. “Pa’son Tringham didn’t think of that. But she’s nothing beside we—a junior branch of us, no doubt, hailing long since King Norman’s day.”"
"“Well, she’s made a conquest o’ the younger branch of us, straight off,” continued the matron to her husband, “and she’s a fool if she don’t follow it up.”"
Discussions with Joan Durbeyfield
Other Characters from Tess of the d'Urbervilles: A Pure Woman
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