“I like reading and all that, but a crave to get back to the life of my infancy and all its freedom. (Sue Bridehead)”

“However you have lived, Sue, I believe you are as innocent as you are unconventional!”

“O, you have torn my life all to pieces... made me be what I prayed you in pity not to make me be again!”

“Be a good boy, remember; and be kind to animals and birds, and read all you can.”

“As soon as she could discern the outline of the house, it had all its old effect upon Tess's imagination. Part of her body and life it ever seemed to be; the slope of its dormers, the finish of its gables, the broken courses of brick which topped the chimney, all had something in common with her personal character.”

“Let me enjoy the earth no less because the all-enacting light that fashioned forth its loveliness had other aims than my delight.”

“Because what's the use of learning that I am one of a long row only - finding out that there is set down in some old book somebody just like me, and to know that I shall only act her part; making me sad, that's all. The best is not to remember your nature and your past doings have been just like thousands' and thousands', and that your coming life and doings'll be like thousands' and thousands'.”