In Thomas Hardy's novel "Tess of the D'Urbervilles," the D'Urbervilles are an old noble family that has fallen on hard times. Tess’s parents, John and Joan Durbeyfield, discover they are descendants of the D'Urbervilles, which excites them with dreams of regaining lost status. They send Tess to connect with the wealthy Stoke-D'Urbervilles, who have adopted the D'Urberville name to seem important.
Alec D'Urberville, from this rich but fake D'Urberville family, plays a crucial role in Tess’s tragic life. He tricks and rapes her, leading to many of her future sufferings. Alec's family isn’t truly noble; they just took on the name to look prestigious, highlighting the novel's theme of false appearances and the emptiness of social status.
The D'Urberville name is a mixed blessing for Tess. It connects her to Alec, causing her misery, and burdens her with a legacy of pride and misfortune. Hardy uses this to criticize the rigid social structures of his time, showing that true worth isn’t about family names or birthright.
In essence, the D'Urberville name symbolizes Tess’s struggle with her fate. It brings more trouble than honor, illustrating the harsh realities and social injustices of Victorian society.