Guide Note:
In his last novel Jude the Obscure English poet and novelist Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) wanted to tell a story "of a deadly war waged between flesh and spirit", to quote his own words. The novel traces the downfall of the hero, Jude Fawley. Jude is a lower-class laborer who dreams of becoming a scholar. Yet everything around him conspires to prevent him from achieving his ambition. He is trapped by the class he belongs to, by his marriage, and by his own sexual desires.
In the beginning, things look promising for the young Jude. He is working and teaching himself Greek and Latin. But then he is tricked into marrying a rather coarse girl. Two years later the marriage ends. Still pursuing his dream of classical studies, Jude moves to a nearby University center. There he falls in love with his cousin, Sue. From then on Jude - just like most of Hardy's characters - is set on the road to ultimate ruin.
Fast Facts:
- Serialized in 1894/95 in abridged form in "Harper's New Monthly Magazine"
- As magazine serial, it was entitled "The Simpletons", and then "Hearts Insurgent"
- First published in book form in 1895
- Setting: Southwest English region of Wessex in 19th century
- In 1895, the book was publicly burnt by the Bishop of Exeter
- Some reviewers called the book Jude the Obscene
- Distressed by the reception, Hardy wrote no more fiction, concentrating on poetry instead
- Today recognized as a landmark for realistic treatment of relationships between men and women
- Film version made in 1996
- Quotation: "Do not do an immoral thing for moral reasons."
