Jude the Obscure

Jude the Obscure is a novel, written by Thomas Hardy, published in 1895. It is Hardy‘s last completed novel. This blog is a thinking activity, assigned by Barad Sir, based on this novel. For more information, click here.

1. What is the significance of epigraph written by Hardy - 'Letter Killeth' - for this novel, Jude the Obscure.

The epigraph to Thomas Hardy's novel Jude the Obscure, "The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life," is a significant passage from the New Testament. It is a reminder that the literal interpretation of a text can be misleading or even harmful, and that it is important to consider the underlying meaning or spirit of the text.

The significance of this epigraph lies in its thematic relevance to the novel. “Jude the Obscure” deals with societal constraints, religious dogma, and the limitations placed on individuals by tradition and conventions. By using the epigraph, Hardy is signaling the contrast between the rigid and restrictive “letter” of religious and societal norms and the liberating “spirit” that seeks to break free from these constraints. It foreshadows the themes of conflict between the individual’s desires and the oppressive moral and social codes of the time. In essence, it serves as a key to understanding the novel’s exploration of these themes.

Jude, the protagonist of the novel, is a working-class man who dreams of becoming a university student. He is denied the opportunity to attend university because of his social status, and his failed marriage to Arabella Donn. Jude eventually falls in love with Sue Bridehead, a free-thinking woman who is also married. Their relationship is condemned by society, and they are forced to separate. The epigraph suggests that Jude's downfall is due to the fact that he is trapped by the letter of the law and the expectations of society. He is unable to break free from these constraints and live his life in accordance with his own desires.

In addition to its literal meaning, the epigraph can also be interpreted symbolically. The letter "K" can be seen as a representation of the traditional order, which is based on rigid rules and hierarchies. The spirit, on the other hand, represents the individual's freedom and self-expression. The epigraph suggests that the traditional order is ultimately destructive, and that individuals must find the courage to break free from it in order to live fulfilling lives.

The epigraph is a powerful and evocative statement that sets the tone for the novel. It foreshadows Jude's downfall, while also suggesting that his suffering will have a larger meaning. The epigraph also invites the reader to consider the novel's broader themes of religion, class, and sexuality. (Written with help of Chat GPT)

2. 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?

The epigraph of the first chapter of “Jude The Obscure” is:

“Yea, many there be that have run out of their wits for women, and become servants for their sakes. Many also have perished, have erred, and sinned, for women… O ye men, how can it be but women should be strong, seeing they do thus?”  —Esdras 

This epigraph suggests that many people lose their minds in pursuit of lust. This is a common theme in literature and mythology. These lines can be seen as a warning against the dangers of unchecked passion.

The myth of Bhasmasur is:

The myth of Bhasmasur tells the story of a Demon who is granted a boon by the God Shiva. He had the ability to turn anything he touches into ash. Initially, he is overjoyed with his new power, but he soon becomes intoxicated by it and decides to use it to destroy Shiva himself. However he is not successful in doing this as he is seduced by Mohini (female incarnation of God Vishnu). Mohini, makes Bhasmasur dance and tricks him into touching his own head. This action turns him into ash.

Connection between both:

The epigraph serves as a foreshadowing of Jude’s downfall. In the novel, we see that Jude was a kind, capable and ambitious person. However, he was seduced by Arabella Donn, and later Sue Bridehead, which led to his ruination. In the myth of Bhasmasur, a strong demon is defeated easily because he didn’t control his lust and was seduced by Mohini. Both these stories warn against the dangers of uncontrollable lust.

3. Research article - Symbolic Indictment of Christianity by Norman Holland Jr.

Norman Holland Jr, in his article says that Thomas Hardy’s novel “Jude The Obscure” is very symbolic. Thomas Hardy uses symbolic imagery like to criticise, not only Christianity, but other religion practises as well. 

In his article, Holland connects different characters to different religions. For example, Arabella can be connected to Jewish religion, Jude to Jewish and Christianity, Sue is connected to Pagan religion, while Phillotson represents Middle class people. Holland also argues that Jude and Sue are obscure characters. No matter who they are paired with, the end result will be disastrous.

“No matter with whom Jude and Sue settle, a mismatch is inevitable.”

You can read the article here: Symbolic Indictment of Christianity. You can also check out Barad Sir’s video explaining this paper: