Is Alec kind to Tess? (spoiler)

[Yun]

I found quite a many people think Alec is kind to Tess (at least later on) and show some sympathy to his death. At first I almost thought the same, but after pondering a little more I reached firmly at different view: sure he doesn't deserve to die, but what he does later on to Tess isn't kindness either.

My reason is simple. If he were kind, he would help Tess even if Tess doesn't want to be with him. Think about it, it is initially because of him that Tess's life becomes so dire and unfair. So if Alec really repents what he did he would just provide help without anything return from Tess. And he is rich enough to do that. But he doesn't. He helps Tess only under the condition that Tess' being his mistress. So that's just not the kindness by my definition.

[Carolina]

Yun wrote: "I found quite a many people think Alec is kind to Tess (at least later on) and show some sympathy to his death. At first I almost thought the same, but after pondering a little more I reached firml..."

I do agree he is not kind, nevertheless, I tend to believe he has come to develop some level of affection towards her, even though this won't bring her any benefits, since his passionate desire for her won't be restrained either by morality or conscience.