The essay Tess of the d'Urbervilles-At the Center of Hardy's Achievement by Irving Howe, Thomas Hardy is seen as a feminist. This is articulated through the opening paragraph when Howe writes, "Thomas Hardy was endowed with a precious gift: he liked women" (Howe 406). The essay discusses Hardy's fascination with female characters; the power the held and the bias and injustices they faced. After discussing the feminist aspect of Hardy's novel, Howe states, "Only one 'character' is almost as important as Tess, and that is Hardy himself" (Howe 422). Howe states that Hardy is a father figure towards Tess, the only person who has compassion and hope for the character albeit articulating her destruction.

I agree with Howe that Hardy is a feminist through his recognition of the unfairness wrought upon women, and the power that they hold over men and themselves. However, I disagree with the statement that Hardy is a father figure towards Tess, due to her ultimate demise.