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The novel follows Tess Durbeyfield, a naive and innocent young woman from a poor family who discovers her family's supposed noble lineage. She is sent to claim kinship with the wealthy d'Urberville family, where she is seduced by Alec d'Urberville, leading to a series of tragic events. Tess later marries Angel Clare, but their marriage is short-lived due to Angel's rejection of her past. The novel explores themes of social injustice, the rigid Victorian moral code, and the harsh realities of rural life in England during the late 19th century.

Published in 1874, 'Far from the Madding Crowd' is Thomas Hardy's first major literary success. The novel is set in Hardy's fictional region of Wessex and follows the life of Bathsheba Everdene, an independent and ambitious young woman, and her interactions with three men: Gabriel Oak, a humble and honest sheep farmer; William Boldwood, a wealthy landowner; and Sergeant Frank Troy, a dashing but reckless soldier. The story delves into themes of love, honour, betrayal, and the harsh realities of rural life in Victorian England. It is known for its vivid descriptions of rural landscapes and its complex characters, and has been adapted into several films, television dramas, and stage productions.

The novel follows Jude Fawley, a poor orphan who aspires to study at the university in Christminster. However, his dreams are thwarted by societal constraints and personal tragedies. Jude's life is marked by his ill-fated marriages, first to Arabella Donn and later a complicated relationship with his cousin Sue Bridehead. The novel explores themes of class, education, religion, morality, and the oppressive nature of marriage in Victorian society. The story culminates in a tragic event involving Jude's children, leading to a downward spiral of unhappiness and ultimately, Jude's death.