How does Hardy presents women's strength and perseverance in the face of sufferring in Tess of the d'Urbervilles?

Hardy conveys this idea through the use of his central
character, Tess. While there are instances strewn throughout the text, one of the most
illustrative examples of strength and perseverance in the face of suffering is Tess’
experiences during her honeymoon period with Angel Clare.  In Chapters 35 – 36, the
newlyweds are giddy with emotion and decide to share their innermost secrets with one
another. Angel begins by telling her of a youthful indiscretion. He confesses that his
experimentation with city life led to “eight-and-forty hours' dissipation with a
stranger.” Tess immediately and generously forgives his error. Then, she shares her own
secret.

Tess confesses to Angel that Alec Stokes
(D’Urbervilles) took advantage of her after her family sent her to “claim kin” with him.
She tells him of the misery that followed and of her personal and silent sufferings.
Angel is stunned by her confession and, rather than offer loving forgiveness, he informs
her that she is no longer the woman that he married. In fact, he says that this
discovery of her past life has irrevocably damaged their recent marriage. Tess submits
as Angel, in his even tones, delivers devastating words that signal the end of their
marriage:

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"Now, let us understand each other," he said
gently. "There is no anger between us, though there is that which I cannot endure at
present. I will try to bring myself to endure it. I will let you know where I go to as
soon as I know myself. And if I can bring myself to bear it--if it is desirable,
possible--I will come to you. But until I come to you it will be better that you should
not try to come to me."

The severity of the decree seemed
deadly to Tess; she saw his view of her clearly enough; he could regard her in no other
light than that of one who had practised gross deceit upon him. Yet could a woman who
had done even what she had done deserve all this? But she could contest the point with
him no further. She simply repeated after him his own
words.

As Angel abandons her,
Tess continues to love him and to endure the sufferings of her life. Twice now, she has
been wronged by men. Still, she bears it with as much dignity and courage as she can
muster.