Jude the Obscure was panned by critics when it first appeared in print towards the end of the nineteenth century. Hardy was so stung by the criticism that this was to be his last novel; for the next thirty years he wrote only poetry and drama.
The book completely fails to live up to the expectations of the Victorian novel, and as such it was revolutionary. The sentimental idea (so prevalent in Austen for example) of a character being rewarded for his or her good deeds at the end of a novel, probably by being married into a great house, is completely smashed by Hardy. This book was ahead of its time, and it still has the power to shock. It is not surprising that it was so derided.
The story is one of failed ambition, rejection and disillusionment. Cheery stuff! Jude is encouraged by a local schoolmaster (Phillotson)to go to Christminster (Oxford). Once there, he finds he is rejected, and his illusions of the place as a seat of scholarly learning are shattered when he finds that the students are ignorant and prejudiced. He ends up (bitter irony) repairing the masonry of the University.
He meets up with Arabella, who represents simple, lustful passion. She betrays Jude by pretending that she is pregnant and forcing him to marry her, whereupon she leaves him.
Jude has an affair with Sue, the wife of Philltoson, who is married unhappily. However, even in this relationship, there can be no contentment. Sue is a rebel, and prizes her freedom, not wanting to be tied down by love. This is the central drama of the book, and I found myself desperately wishing for them to be happy, but, knowing Hardy, suspecting that it is all going to end in tears.
I do not want to tell you much more of the plot, because it would spoil the ending. Suffice it to say that this book explores the hypocrisy of Victorian marraige vows, and is a plea for a more tolerant society. In his absolute refusal, throughout his work, to pander to expectations of a "happy ending", and to face up to the reality of life, Hardy was a great novelist.
His lifetime, rather Romantic, preoccupation with the values of the countryside as opposed to urban sophistication are also apparent. In all his work, Hardy contrasts the relative simplicity and freedom of the country as opposed to the calculating, scheming life of the city. In Jude, this is done by exposing the hollowness and unfairness of life in Christminster. In Hardy's world, honest people are subject to the unseeing whims of Fate.
This is an uncompromising novel, with great characterisation. Hardy draws the reader skilfully into his world and makes you care about the protagonists. It is all the harder, therefore, to take the bitter truth that life is unfair and harsh. A brilliant book - I think it is second only in Hardy's writings to the superb Mayor of Casterbridge.
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