However, in terms of emotional response, the ultimate fate of Tess, scion of once-proud aristocratic family brought low by Hardy's twin enemies of humanity (Time and Chance), arouses more pity and fear in a modern reader than does Henchard's. ... Though modern usage of the word "hero" indicates a nobler persona, at its roots a hero is simply the main character of any story, and not necessarily a knight in shining armor. A tragic hero's sad story comes from his own flaws, and Michael Henchard was certainly not lacking in faults and poor judgments. ... He is also a very proud man,...

• Word Count: 1167
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate