' Jude the obscure ' by Thomas Hardy
Nirali Vaghela's blog
Introduction
Jude the Obscure is a novel by Thomas Hardy, which began as a magazine serial in December 1894 and was first published in book form in 1895 (though the title page says 1896).[1][2][3] It is Hardy's last completed novel. The protagonist, Jude Fawley, is a working-class young man; he is a stonemason who dreams of becoming a scholar. The other main character is his cousin, Sue Bridehead, who is also his central love interest. The novel is concerned in particular with issues of class, education, religion, morality and marriage
Jude the Obscure is the story of a working-class young man from southern England, Jude Fawley, who dreams of someday becoming a scholar at the prestigious university at Christminster, modeled on the world-famous Oxford University.
Before this can happen, however, Jude is tricked into marriage by the seductive, but opportunistic, Arabella Donn, who falsely claims she is pregnant. The marriage soon falls apart and Jude travels to Christminster, only to be denied entry to the university. The classical studies he has pursued all his life, almost entirely on his own, have been for nothing. He has neither the education, nor the money, to become a scholar.
While at Christminster, he meets and quickly falls in love with his cousin, the vivacious and rebellious, Sue Bridehead. She, however, marries Jude's former schoolmaster and mentor, Richard Phillotson, who is cruel to her. Their marriage also fails; Sue and Jude divorce their spouses, but Sue refuses to marry Jude.
Then Jude discovers that he has a long-lost son with his estranged wife, Arabella. Jude's son comes to live with him and Sue. Still unmarried, Sue and Jude bear two more children, but are shunned by their community. Jude loses his job as a stonemason, the family is denied lodgings, and so the five of them embark on a seemingly endless search for work and housing.
Ultimately, Jude's namesake, his son with Arabella, known as Little Father Time because of his grave manner, hangs the younger children and himself, leaving behind a note which says only, 'Done because we are too meeny (many).'
Devastated, Sue returns to Phillotson and a life of religious devotion. They remarry, as do Jude and Arabella. After one more attempt to reconcile with Sue, Jude falls ill and ultimately dies at the age of 30. Arabella immediately moves on in search of her next husband, while Sue lives out the rest of her dreary life with Phillotson.
Characters
Theme
Here are the themes of "Jude the Obscure" by Thomas Hardy:
1. The struggle for education and self-improvement
2. Love and relationships
3. Class and social mobility
4. Religion and morality
5. Fate and tragedy
6. Individuality and conformity
7. Gender roles and sexuality
8. Social justice and reform
1)What is the significance of epigraph written by Hardy - 'Letter Killeth' - for this novel, Jude the Obscure
The epigraph "Letter Killeth" is a significant choice by Thomas Hardy for his novel "Jude the Obscure". The phrase is a biblical reference to 2 Corinthians 3:6, which states: "The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."
In the context of the novel, the epigraph suggests that:
1. Written words or laws (the "letter") can be oppressive and limiting, while the spirit of humanity and individual freedom is what truly gives life meaning.
2. The novel critiques the rigid social and religious conventions (the "letter") that stifle individuality and creativity, emphasizing the need for a more compassionate and inclusive approach (the "spirit").
3. The epigraph also hints at the tension between intellectual pursuits (the "letter") and emotional or spiritual fulfillment (the "spirit"), a central conflict in Jude's journey.
By choosing this epigraph, Hardy sets the tone for a novel that explores the constraints of societal expectations and the quest for personal freedom, creativity, and spiritual growth.
2) Is it possible to connect the meaning of the epigraph of 'Esdras' at the beginning of the first chapter of the novel and the myth of Bhasmasur?
While the connection is not immediately obvious, both the epigraph and the myth of Bhasmasur touch on the idea of a higher power, the limitations of human (or demonic) endeavors, and the cyclical nature of existence. Hardy might be hinting at the idea that Jude's journey is part of a larger cosmic narrative, where individual struggles are connected to the universal and the divine.
The epigraph from "Esdras" at the beginning of the first chapter of "Jude the Obscure" reads: "The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein."
Now, let's explore the connection with the myth of Bhasmasur:
In Hindu mythology, Bhasmasur is a demon who gains the power to burn anything to ashes with his touch. However, he is eventually outsmarted and killed by the god Vishnu.
Here's the connection:
1. The epigraph suggests that the earth and its fullness belong to a higher power (the Lord). Similarly, in the Bhasmasur myth, the demon's power is ultimately subject to the divine authority of Vishnu.
2. Both the epigraph and the myth hint at the idea that human endeavors (or demonic powers!) are ultimately subordinate to a larger cosmic order.
3. The theme of destruction and rebirth is present in both contexts: the epigraph mentions the earth and its fullness, while Bhasmasur's story involves the cyclical nature of creation and destruction.
While the connection is not immediately obvious, both the epigraph and the myth of Bhasmasur touch on the idea of a higher power, the limitations of human (or demonic) endeavors, and the cyclical nature of existence. Hardy might be hinting at the idea that Jude's journey is part of a larger cosmic narrative, where individual struggles are connected to the universal and the divine.
1. Esdras is a prophetic book in the Apocrypha, which is a collection of books considered canonical by some Christian denominations, but not by Jews or Protestants.
2. The book of Esdras tells the story of the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.
3. Esdras is also the name of the high priest who leads the restoration efforts and is credited with rebuilding the Temple.
4. In the book of Esdras, there are several apocalyptic visions and prophecies attributed to Esdras, which are often interpreted as references to the coming of the Messiah.
5. Esdras is sometimes identified with the biblical figure of Ezra, who is also associated with the restoration of the Temple and the renewal of Jewish worship.
6. The book of Esdras is notable for its themes of exile, return, and restoration, which are central to the Jewish diasporic experience.
7. Esdras is also significant for its influence on early Christian thought and literature, particularly in the development of apocalyptic and eschatological traditions.
In the context of Jude the Obscure, the epigraph from Esdras may be seen as a nod to these themes of restoration, return, and the quest for spiritual renewal, which are all relevant to Jude's journey. Hardy may be drawing parallels between the rebuilding of the Temple and Jude's own efforts to rebuild his life and find spiritual fulfillment.
