It could be argued that the rejection of marriage is the central didactic point of this novel. Hardy repeatedly emphasizes that marriage involves making a commitment that many people are emotionally unequipped to fulfill - this sentiment comes...
The Question and Answer section for Jude the Obscure is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.
It could be argued that the rejection of marriage is the central didactic point of this novel. Hardy repeatedly emphasizes that marriage involves making a commitment that many people are emotionally unequipped to fulfill - this sentiment comes...
Disappointment crops up over and over again in this novel: Jude is disappointed by his career; he is disappointed in his marriage to Arabella and then his cohabitation with Sue; he is disappointed by Mr. Phillotson, who never achieved his dream of...
Jude is a victim of "class" society, which renders him unable to attain his goal and better his life. His greatest desire is to become an academic, but his life is steeped in laboring for others. Class distinctions would allow for his ultimate...