Jude the Obscure Lesson Plan

Part III continues to explore what the novel's underlying morality might be. What does Hardy seem to be trying to say about religion's relationship with morality, particularly looking at Sue's relationship with the undergraduate?

Hardy introduces the concept that religion and morality are mutually exclusive - that is, that a person can be good without being religious, and vice versa. As a young woman, Sue was influenced by an undergraduate at Christminster, whom she characterizes as “the most irreligious man I ever knew, and the most moral."

By presenting Sue’s views with respect, Hardy suggests that Jude and Sue are moral equals, despite the fact that Jude is more...