Tess of the D'Urbervilles Phase VII: "Fulfillment," Chapter Fifty-Nine Summary

  • Angel and 'Liza-Lu are in the county capitol of Wintoncester, looking completely anguished and walking hand in hand.
  • They stand in the street outside the prison, staring at an empty flagpole in the ugly tower.
  • A few minutes past the hour, a black flag is raised on the pole, indicating that "justice" had been done (in other words, Tess has been executed for murder—but Hardy doesn't come right out and say it.)
  • Angel and 'Liza-Lu both kneel on the ground to pray.
  • After a while, they stand, join hands again, and walk slowly away.