Tess of the D'Urbervilles

I could have sworn I read this book before. There are moments that I still think I have, but it really lies in the familiarity of word pattern. So, perhaps I have read something else by Thomas Hardy.
I want to put this book on the book list for the GWBC. There isn't anything explicit in it, so I think it would be fine for those with "sensitive" natures. However, there is SO much that could be discussed due to the nature of the book. The duplicity of man and this injustice women have suffered due to this! Wow. Although there has been some "softening" of women's...well, expectations/restrictions, I think there continues to be an influence in our society of guilt on the woman's part.
I've heard so many times that this dates back to early Christianity and before. However, it's sad to realize the twists to truth that have occurred due to man's (in this way both "man" and "human") manipulation of real truths. God didn't just create Eve for Adam's pleasure. She was THE final creation and holds a special place in God's eye for that reason. How, then, has woman been so oppressed throughout time?
Although I do view the necessity of certain roles, I also recognize that not everyone fits into those specified "assignments" for a variety of reasons and circumstances. I am grateful to have experienced not just the good, but have also suffered the bad in my relationships with men, so that I am MORE grateful in my recognizing of my husband's honor and protection of me. I do experience all the good now and am amazed at the guidance I received through my youth not to make a mistake in marriage to another.
Oh, Tess...I still haven't finished this novel, but my heart goes out to you! How unfair your troubles have been due to the selfishness of men!