Tess’ heart contracted wringing out the unselfish joy she’d felt earlier. Wasn’t this typical, though? Not only did Tess not get what should have been hers by birth, but now she had to comfort dear, tenderhearted Jeanne, who was upset by the unfairness of it. Tess did not often feel true resentment toward her sister.
-- Tess (One)

Importance: This quote shows how complicated Tess’ feelings are early on in the novel. She has shown a wide range of emotions about her predicament. Guilt towards herself, anger towards her mother, and even a small amount of resentment toward Jeanna. She strove for her sister’s betrothal, but hates the reminder that it was supposed to be hers. Tess does not want to be upset, but this shows that she has to find a way to get past her own feelings before she can do so.

What was this power called Mama? Why...
-- Tess (Three)