As preparation for the podcast task:

 

Tess Durbeyfield is a positive role model for girls

1. What do we mean by “role model”?

• Someone successful in their chosen field?
• Someone who overcomes difficulties?
• Someone who attempts to make the world a better place?
• Someone who does not give in when life seems against them?
• Someone willing to take a stand against injustice?

2. What make a person or character a role model?

• Integrity?
• Intelligence?
• Success?
• Exceptional talents?
• Physical attractiveness?

3. How does Tess conform to this idea?

Positives:        Rejects the passivity of a working class girl

Insists on telling the truth

Is resilient in the face of terrible events

Takes action to achieve happiness

Wants to do what is right for her family

Is willing to sacrifice her own happiness

Breaks out of her social position

Is devoted

Negatives:      Believes she is fated to be unhappy

Is unable to stand up for herself

Commits murder

Extraordinarily naïve

How is it revolutionary to end up with a man?

Cannot cut off her feckless relatives

Unbe-bloody-lievably docile

No backbone

Miserable, moping

4. How much is she responsible for her actions?