Please note this episode contains discussion on domestic abuse and sexual assault.

This week Edwina looks at justice through a literary lens by speaking to Harriet Still, the curator of Thomas Hardy’s Wessex exhibition. In this episode Harriet explores one of Hardy’s most famous works, Tess of the D’Urbervilles, and highlights how this novel sparked conversations around the world on violence against women, consent, and justice.  

Influenced by his experience at 16 of witnessing the execution of a woman found guilty of murdering her abusive husband, Hardy brought his feelings on this injustice to the writing of Tess. 

Edwina and Harriet reflect on how radical a character like Tess was in 1851 when the novel was published, and how her treatment can speak to the experiences of women today, including those in the justice system.

Hardy's Wessex, The landscapes that inspired a writer is open until 30th October. Visit the Wessex Museum’s website for more information: www.wessexmuseums.org.uk/what-we-do/exhibitions-events/thomas-hardy-exhibition/

Follow Wessex Museums on Twitter @WessexMuseums

Read more about the One Small Thing charity here.

Twitter - @OSTCharity

This podcast is created and produced by The London Podcast Company. 

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