Jude the ObscurePowerful and controversial from its 1895 publication to the present, Jude the Obscure scandalized Victorian critics, who condemned it as decadent, indecent, and degenerate. Between its frank portrayals of sexuality and its indictments of marriage, religion, and England's class system, the novel offended a broad swath of readers. Its heated reception led the embittered author to renounce fiction, turning his considerable talents ever afterward to writing poetry. Hardy's last novel depicts a changing world, where a poor stonemason can aspire to a university education and a higher place in society—but where in reality such dreams remain unattainable. Thwarted at every turn, Jude Hawley abandons his hopes, is trapped into an unwise marriage, and pursues a doomed relationship with his free-spirited cousin, Sue Bridehead. The lovers find themselves equally incapable of living within the conventions of their era and of transcending its legal and moral strictures. Hailed by modern critics as a pioneering work of feminism and socialist thought, Hardy's tragic parable continues to resonate with readers. |
What people are saying - Write a review
We haven't found any reviews in the usual places.
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
Arabella arrived asked began better brought called child Christminster church close coming continued course dark dear don’t door entered eyes face father feel felt followed further girl give gone hand head heard hour husband interest Jude Jude’s keep kind kiss knew late leave light living lodging looked marriage married matter mean meet mind morning moved nature never night once passed perhaps person Phillotson poor present reached reason regarded remained rest returned round seemed seen side silent soon sort stay stood STORIES street Sue’s suppose sure taken talk tell thing thought till told took town train turned voice waited walked week wife window wish woman young