A Pure Woman and an Angel

Person of the Day: Thomas Hardy
Word of the Day: Love
Quote of the Day: 'You will - you do say it, I know! You will be mine for ever and ever.' He clasped her close and kissed her. 'Yes!'

Looking back at the time I read Tess, I realise how exquiste the scenes are between Tess and Angel, and how beautiful Hardy's language is at this point of the novel. This section I feel is ranked up top alingside the powerful scenes between Cathy and Heathcliff, and Jane and Rochester. It is also and incredibly important part of the novel as, without it, the novel would seem far more dark and gloomy than it is.

I knew that this episode would have to be pretty damn good if it were to convey the natural beauty of Tess and Angel's love for one another. And whilst I felt a little disappointed that a couple of bits weren't included in the production, Gemma Arterton and Eddie Redmayne more than made up for it. The pair completely convinced me of Tess and Angel's genuine love for one another and left me desperately hoping and wishing that nothing would separate them, as Tess says to Angel that she likes living just as they are. But as we are constantly warned of what is to come we know that Tess's fate is ultimately sealed, and Arterton's expression, as Tess realises that Angel has not seen or read her letter, painfully portrayed her darkening future.

The acting of the pair, I felt, was very good, and they were also supported by a solid trio of Marian, Retty and Izz. The scenery, as in the first episode, complimented the acting and atmosphere beautifully.