Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy

 

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

The epigraph "The letter killeth" is taken from the Bible, specifically 2 Corinthians 3:6, which reads in full: "For the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." Thomas Hardy uses this phrase as a thematic prelude to *Jude the Obscure*, highlighting one of the novel's central concerns: the conflict between rigid, institutional rules and the more compassionate, human "spirit" behind them. 

In Jude the Obscure, Hardy critiques the oppressive structures of organized religion, social conventions, and educational institutions. These institutions often enforce rigid moral and social codes, "the letter of the law," which ultimately suppresses individual desires and spirit. For example, Jude’s dreams of attending university are thwarted by a system that favors social privilege over merit, and his relationship with Sue Bridehead suffers under societal and religious pressures surrounding marriage and sexuality. 

The epigraph also serves to question the consequences of adhering strictly to traditional interpretations without understanding their deeper human implications. In the novel, characters like Jude and Sue embody the struggle for personal freedom, trying to live by "the spirit" of their beliefs rather than "the letter" of societal norms. However, their attempts often end in tragedy, suggesting Hardy’s view that society’s insistence on rigid rules can destroy the lives and spirits of individuals who seek to defy or transcend them. Thus, "The letter killeth" foreshadows the novel's exploration of how uncompromising institutions and doctrines can lead to personal despair and disillusionment.

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?

Yes, it is possible to connect the epigraph from *Esdras* at the beginning of *Jude the Obscure* with the myth of Bhasmasur, as both touch upon themes of destructive ambition and the unintended consequences of seeking power or knowledge beyond one’s reach.

The epigraph from *Esdras* in the first chapter of *Jude the Obscure*—“I was a child and loved her. I asked her little and she gave much…”—reflects Jude’s youthful idealism and yearning for knowledge, wisdom, and the transformative potential he believes education will bring him. This epigraph serves as a metaphor for Jude's early desire to transcend his social limitations through intellectual and spiritual growth. However, as he pursues this goal, he becomes ensnared in a world that ultimately rejects him, leading to his despair and disillusionment.

This pursuit and the tragic results mirror the story of Bhasmasur from Hindu mythology. In the myth, Bhasmasur is a demon who, through intense penance, receives a boon from Lord Shiva that grants him the power to turn anyone he touches to ashes. Intoxicated by his new power, Bhasmasur attempts to use it destructively—even threatening Shiva himself. Eventually, the power he sought brings about his own demise, symbolizing the self-destructive consequences of unrestrained ambition and misdirected desire.

Similarly, in *Jude the Obscure*, Jude’s obsessive pursuit of academic achievement and personal fulfillment, despite the rigid class and social structures, becomes self-destructive. The very institutions he reveres—religion, marriage, and academia—ultimately betray him, bringing suffering to him and those he loves. Just as Bhasmasur’s granted boon becomes his undoing, Jude’s dreams, while noble, ultimately lead to despair and tragedy, emphasizing Hardy’s critique of rigid social systems and the perilous nature of certain ambitions.

In both the novel and the myth, then, the pursuit of an ideal or power becomes a curse rather than a blessing, leading to ruin rather than fulfillment. This thematic connection reinforces Hardy's view of society’s limitations and the inherent dangers in striving for ideals that society does not support or respect.

3) Any one of the following along with the above given two points to ponder.

(i) Structure of the Novel 'Jude the Obscure'

The structure of Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy is carefully crafted to reflect the evolution of its protagonist, Jude Fawley, from youthful idealism to profound disillusionment. The novel is divided into six parts, each representing a phase in Jude’s life and his shifting relationships, aspirations, and struggles with societal constraints. This segmented structure emphasizes the cyclical and often repetitive nature of Jude’s struggles and highlights how his ambitions continually clash with societal forces.

Here is an overview of each part and its thematic focus:

1. Part First: At Marygreen 

   This section introduces Jude as a young boy with big dreams. He lives in the village of Marygreen, where his aspirations for education and self-betterment are kindled. He idolizes Christminster, a city symbolizing academic and spiritual enlightenment. This part lays the groundwork for his ambitions and foreshadows the disappointments to come.

2. Part Second: At Christminster 

   In this part, Jude moves to Christminster with hopes of joining the university. However, he soon encounters social and economic barriers that prevent him from achieving his dream. His idealized vision of Christminster begins to crumble as he faces rejection from the academic elite. This section explores the theme of social class and the limitations placed on individuals from lower backgrounds.

3. Part Third: At Melchester

   This part focuses on Jude’s evolving relationship with Sue Bridehead, his intellectual and spiritual soulmate. Melchester becomes a space for personal and emotional exploration, as Jude and Sue challenge traditional ideas about relationships, marriage, and religion. Their relationship is central to the novel’s critique of conventional morality and social expectations.

4. Part Fourth: At Shaston 

   Jude and Sue’s relationship deepens, but they face increasing societal pressure and moral judgment. This section reveals the intense conflict between their personal beliefs and societal conventions, as they attempt to live together outside of marriage. The structure here emphasizes the societal repression they endure and foreshadows the tragic consequences of their unconventional choices.

5. Part Fifth: At Aldbrickham and Elsewhere

   Here, the couple’s defiance of social norms culminates in disaster. The tragic events surrounding Jude and Sue’s children are a turning point in the novel, highlighting the novel’s themes of fate, suffering, and the harsh judgment of society. The despair and disillusionment that follow mark a sharp departure from the idealism of the earlier parts.

6. Part Sixth: At Christminster Again

   The final section brings Jude back to Christminster, now a place of disillusionment and despair rather than hope. Jude’s spirit has been crushed by the failures of his dreams, his separation from Sue, and his deteriorating health. The cyclical return to Christminster underscores the tragic futility of his aspirations and Hardy’s commentary on the relentless, unforgiving nature of societal structures.

Thematic and Structural Significance

The structure of Jude the Obscure mirrors Jude’s inner journey, moving from hopeful beginnings to a tragic end. Each part is named after a place that represents a stage in Jude’s life, symbolizing his shifting ideals and the impact of societal and institutional forces on his personal aspirations. Hardy’s structuring choice also emphasizes the repeated frustrations and inevitable tragedies in Jude’s life, underscoring the novel’s critique of rigid social institutions, the illusion of personal agency, and the destructive power of social judgment.