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- Author: Thomas Hardy
- Genre: Novel, Fiction
- Publication Date: 1895
- 1894-1895: Serialized in abridged form in Harper's New Monthly Magazine
- As magazine serial was entitled "The Simpletons", and then "Hearts Insurgent"
- Adaptations: Jude the Obscure Film 1996
- Setting: Southwest English region of Wessex in 19th century
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In his last novel Jude the Obscure poet and novelist Thomas Hardy wanted to tell a story "of a deadly war waged between flesh and spirit", to quote his own words.
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Plot Synopsis
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.
Critical Reception
In 1895, Jude the Obscure was publicly burnt by the Bishop of Exeter, and some reviewers referred to it as Jude the Obscene. Distressed by the reception, Hardy never wrote fiction again, and he concentrated on poetry instead. However, today the book is recognized as a landmark for realistic treatment of relationships between men and women.-
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Jude the Obscure on Amazon
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Jude the Obscure - $29.98
A Classic BBC Adaptation of a Controversial Literary MasterpieceAs Seen on PBS’ Masterpiece Theatre<P>Jude Fawley is a poor stone carver who is tricked into a loveless mar...Amazon
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Jude the Obscure - $1.00
This novel is often thought of as Thomas Hardy's best work, not only for the elaborate structure of the plot, where small and subtle details lead to the character's ruin, but in th...Amazon
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Jude the Obscure (Oxford World's Classic) - $8.95
Hardy's last and most controversial novel, Jude the Obscure caused much outrage when it was published in 1895. Jude Fawley, poor and working-class, longs to study at the University...Amazon
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Jude the Obscure (Norton Critical Editions) - $14.95
Novel tracing Jude Fawley's life from his aspirations of intellectual freedom to his early death.Amazon
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Jude the Obscure (Dover Thrift Editions) - $5.00
Hardy's masterpiece traces a poor stonemason's ill-fated romance with his free-spirited cousin. No Victorian institution is spared — marriage, religion, education — and t...Amazon
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Jude the Obscure Questions
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what are themes in jude the obscure ? 2 AnswersThe central theme of this book is said to be "love". The love in this instance has more of an affect on marriage itself and what other people see it as. Unhappy... read more -
How just is the world of Jude the Obscure? 1 AnswerI personally haven't read the book, however according to the plot synopsis it sounds like the world is very far from fair. http://www.flickr.com/photos/33749589... read more
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discuss the roll and importance of class and gender in jude the obscure 1 AnswerHardy definitely has a way of rattling the traditions of gender roles. Questia and Google Scholar have some great summary analyses I have included below that I ... read more
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Jude the Obscure Author Information
- Mahalo Guide to Thomas Hardy
- Wikipedia: Thomas Hardy
- Thomas Hardy Society: Thomas Hardy Online Biography
- Gettysburg College: Hardy's World
- Books and Writers: Thomas Hardy (1840-1928)
- The Literature Network: Thomas Hardy
- Phillips Academy Andover: Thomas Hardy Miscellany
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On Twitter Powered by Twitter
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On page 202 of 336 of Jude the Obscure. I just really love Hardy's work! http://bit.ly/89WHG7
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Must finish Jude the Obscure tonight so I can have a relaxing weekend of... Essay & presentation planning. Loverly.
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I hated Jude the Obscure. Everyone was a bitch! Arabella was a scheming bitch, Sue was a whiny little bitch, and Jude was just a man bitch.
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where did my copy of Jude the Obscure go? Maybe it became too sad to continue existing. Seriously though.
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