Learning From Mistakes People learn from the past. Either their own or from the people that lived before them. Readers can learn from the literature they read. In “Tess of the D’Urbervilles”, by Thomas Hardy, readers can learn from the actions of the characters. Written in 1891 the roles of women and men are different from what they are now. Readers can see the difference though many of the characters such as Tess Durbeyfield, Angel Clare, Alec D’Urberville, and Joan Durbeyfield. These can be shown through the characters in their relationships, thoughts, and actions. Your relationship with someone can say something about you. Once learning about their ancestry and the tragedy of the horse, Tess’s family decides to have her go visit part of their family in Trantridge. Upon her arrival she is greeted by Alec, the son of the mansion. Alec always got what he wanted and he wanted Tess. Since Tess refused his companionship Alec rapes her one night and Tess becomes pregnant. After the death of her infant, Sorrow, Tess finds new work at a dairy where she meets her new husband, Angel. On their wedding night Angel and Tess tell secrets that they have been holding in. Tess tells about Alec, and Angel decides to leave her. Tess’s past relationship changes her relationship now. This shows that who you are associated with can change how people think about you. Once Angel found out about Tess’s past he decides to go on with his apprenticeship without her. On the rode he runs into Izz after visiting his parents. Angel invites Izz to go with him to Brazil, but takes it back because he feels it isn’t right. By doing this Angel shows that he still respects his wife even after her life with Alec. While Angel is gone Tess runs into Alec once again. Even with all his offers Tess refuses to fall into his trap. Until Alec suggest to Tess about Angel not returning, does the thought