ot forgiving Tess as well as "loving" or not. Though "you seem like an unappreciative peasant woman, who has never been initiated into the proportions of things," (246) can be interpreted as Angel invoking convention, there are by far more instances where Angel demonstrates naivety (ignorance) and indecision. He swore not to reproach Tess though his hasty actions hurt her plenty. Clare is often found as he pauses "contemplating" (242) over the unfortunate turn of events. Angel can "[look] upon her as a species of imposter; a guilty woman in the guise of an innocent one," (243) while shortly following up with "not deceitful, my wife." (246) *** The reason Angel could not answer Tess's innocent inquiry of whether he still loved her (246) was because of his indecision. In fact, this demonstrates his indecision for he had not the resolve to answer either "yes" or "no". *** Another aspect of Angel that heavily reflects his personality, he simply despises aristocracy. (why? :o)This despising is an independent motion and not a convention-driven thought. Therefore Angel can be independent from convention though it took just the right environment. His aversion towards aristocracy also demonstrates that he could put aside his former principles for the sake of fulfilling passion's desires. Throughout the book the permeating theme of noble lineage and Angel's later plan to adopt the D'Urberville for it would be a better name. This mix of lineage ... *** Angel was always just "desperately smothering his affection for her," during his "elaborate sarcasms." (244) (explain how relates to thesis)*** Another instance where Angel illuminates his independent but mixed nature when it concerned convention, principle, and emotion is when he consulted the "wise men of all ages" and ultimately "concluded...[that] 'this is the chief thing: be not perturbed'...that was just Clare's own opinion...but he was perturbed." (274)
             Clare's individualism, inherited con...