Jude the Obscure : Thomas Hardy

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This blog based on Jude the Obscure as a part of thinking activity assigned by Dilip Barad sir. Click Here

Question : What is the significance of epigraph written by Hardy - 'Letter Killeth' - for this novel, Jude the Obscure?

Answer : 

The epigraph "Letter Killeth" at the beginning of Jude the Obscure is a significant one, drawn from the Bible, specifically from 2 Corinthians 3:6, which reads: "The letter lilleth, but the spirit giveth life." This quotation reflects one of the central themes of Thomas Hardy's novel, as it speaks to the limitations of rigid, institutionalized systems, and the contrast between dry, lifeless dogma (the "letter") and the potentially liberating, more fluid and compassionate force of personal, emotional, or spiritual experience (the "spirit"). In Jude the Obscure, this epigraph serves to highlight the oppressive nature of societal structures and intellectual systems—such as religion, marriage, and education—that are often portrayed as cold and dehumanizing.

For example:

• Jude Fawley, the protagonist, struggles with rigid institutions like the church and the education system, which limit his aspirations and understanding of the world.
• His relationship with Sue Bridehead is marked by the tension between their intellectual ideals and the societal expectations placed on them, particularly regarding marriage and moral propriety.
• The novel as a whole critiques the conflict between idealistic, intellectual, or spiritual aspirations and the harsh reality of living within a society that often demands conformity to established norms.

Conclusion : 

In short, Hardy uses this epigraph to frame the novel's critique of societal institutions, emphasizing that intellectualism and dogmatic adherence to rules without regard for human experience and emotional truth can lead to destruction—symbolized by the "killing" nature of the "letter."

Question : 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?

Answer : 

The Epigraph from Esdras in Jude the Obscure : 

The epigraph Hardy uses at the beginning of Jude the Obscure comes from Esdras,

“The way is narrow, and it is difficult to find, and few there be that find it.”

This biblical quote highlights the theme of struggle and the rarity of achieving spiritual or personal salvation, or enlightenment, in a world filled with obstacles. It resonates with Hardy's theme of the difficulty of realizing one’s dreams or aspirations in a society that is not equipped to support individual ambition, particularly in the case of Jude Fawley, the protagonist of the novel. Jude strives for intellectual, emotional, and spiritual fulfillment but is continually thwarted by societal norms and constraints. This epigraph sets the tone for the novel, where the journey toward self-actualization is fraught with challenges and disappointments.

The Myth of Bhasmasur : 

The myth of Bhasmasur comes from Hindu mythology and tells the story of a demon named Bhasmasur who, after being granted a boon from Lord Shiva, acquires the power to turn anyone he touches into ashes (bhasma). However, Bhasmasur, in his arrogance and desire for power, attempts to use this power on Shiva himself, which leads to a dangerous chase. Ultimately, Bhasmasur’s own arrogance and misuse of the power cause his downfall, as he is tricked into touching his own head and turning himself to ashes.At its core, the myth of Bhasmasur is about the dangers of unchecked desire, the misuse of power, and the inevitable self-destruction that follows when one oversteps boundaries or pursues goals without wisdom or regard for consequences.

Conclusion :

The epigraph from Esdras and the myth of Bhasmasur both touch on the perils of unchecked ambition and the consequences of striving for something beyond one’s grasp or understanding. For Jude, the "narrow and difficult way" represents his ill-fated attempts to escape his social constraints and achieve intellectual or personal fulfillment, while for Bhasmasur, the narrow path is the path of self-destruction brought on by desire for power without wisdom.

Both the epigraph and the myth explore the theme of personal struggle and the dangers of trying to surpass natural or societal limits. They reflect a worldview in which ambition, if not properly directed, can lead to downfall, a theme that resonates deeply throughout Hardy's Jude the Obscure.

Question : Structure of the Novel 'Jude the Obscure'

Answer : 

Division into Parts : 

The novel is divided into six parts, each focusing on a different phase of the protagonist's life. These parts correspond to key transitions in Jude Fawley’s personal and social development, and they help track the progression of his struggles and relationships.

• Part One: The Pillars of Society
  This section introduces Jude as a young boy growing up in the rural village of Marygreen. We learn of his dreams of a better life, his love for education, and his desire to leave his working-class background behind. His first interactions with Arabella Donn and his early ideas about love and religion are explored here.

• Part Two: The Promised Land
  Jude moves to the city of Christminster (a fictionalized version of Oxford), where he hopes to become a scholar and fulfill his intellectual dreams. Here, he meets Sue Bridehead, a progressive and independent woman, and their complex relationship begins. Themes of ambition, social mobility, and intellectual pursuit dominate this section.

• Part Three: The Triumph of the Will
  In this section, Jude and Sue's relationship deepens, and the pair face various personal and social challenges. Jude’s dreams of academic success begin to falter due to his social status and lack of resources. The tension between Jude’s ideals and the harsh realities of life becomes more apparent.

• Part Four: The Fall
  Jude’s life begins to unravel. His failed marriage to Arabella and his strained relationship with Sue take a psychological and emotional toll on him. The tension between his religious beliefs, his moral choices, and his desire for happiness becomes more pronounced.

• Part Five: The Degradation
  This section marks a turning point where Jude’s aspirations are crushed. He and Sue face personal and societal collapse, leading to tragic events. Hardy critiques the social and religious institutions that constrain his characters and their desires, and the outcome is marked by increasing despair.

• Part Six: The End
  The novel concludes with an ultimate tragedy that ties together the themes of failure, loss, and the conflict between individual dreams and societal expectations. Jude’s life reaches a bleak conclusion, and Sue’s fate is similarly grim, highlighting Hardy’s pessimistic view of human existence.

Character Development and Relationships : 

At the heart of the novel is the development of the relationships between the main characters, especially Jude and Sue. Their complicated, often tumultuous bond is central to the narrative, and it is marked by both intellectual attraction and emotional conflict. Jude's unrequited love for Sue and his attempts to reconcile his personal desires with societal pressures shape much of the plot.

Narrative Technique : 

Hardy employs a third-person omniscient narrator, allowing him to explore the inner thoughts and emotions of multiple characters. The narrative is often psychological and introspective, delving into the complexities of the characters' feelings of isolation, longing, and disillusionment. Hardy uses direct commentary on society’s treatment of the individual, especially in terms of class, gender, and morality.

The Ending : 

The conclusion of the novel is famously bleak, fitting Hardy’s characteristic approach to tragedy. The ending is a culmination of the themes of despair, unfulfilled dreams, and the harsh reality of life in Victorian society. The resolution, or rather lack of resolution, emphasizes Hardy’s criticism of the social systems that limit personal happiness.

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