This blog is crafted in response to Dr. Dilip Sir Barad. This blog is about Jude the Obscure.
Thomas Hardy’s Jude the Obscure is one of the most powerful and tragic novels in English literature. It tells the story of Jude Fawley, a young man with big dreams and ambitions but trapped by the harsh realities of life, class, and society. In this blog, we will take a close look at the two important epigraphs in the novel and their meanings, and we’ll also explore the structure of the novel and how it plays a significant role in portraying the tragic life of the main character, Jude.
The Epigraph: "The Letter Killeth" and Its Significance :-.
In the novel, Hardy uses this idea to explain the central problem faced by the protagonist, Jude. Jude is a young man from a poor background who dreams of a better life. He wants to study at Christminster, a university town, to improve himself and become a scholar. However, he is constantly held back by the rigid, harsh rules of society. The “letter” in the epigraph represents these rules, which are strict and unyielding. These rules such as the social class system, the restrictions on education for the poor, and the expectations placed on people based on their social standing trap Jude and prevent him from realizing his dreams.
Jude has the “spirit” of an intellectual he is bright, curious, and full of ambition but the “letter,” or the societal rules, crush his dreams. The epigraph emphasizes the struggle between the individual’s hopes and the harsh, impersonal system of society that does not allow for personal growth. Hardy is suggesting that society, through its rules and structures, kills the spirit of the individual. Even though Jude tries to overcome these obstacles, he finds himself crushed by them, leading to his eventual tragedy.
The Esdras Epigraph and the Myth of Bhasmasur :-
Another significant epigraph in the novel comes from the Book of Esdras, which is part of the Apocrypha, a collection of ancient texts that are not included in some versions of the Bible. The quote from Esdras speaks about the unfairness and suffering that seem to be a part of life. In this sense, it sets the stage for the novel’s main themes of struggle, injustice, and the harshness of fate.
To understand how this connects with the myth of Bhasmasur, we need to explore the story of this character from Hindu mythology. Bhasmasur was a demon who was granted a boon by the god Shiva. This boon allowed Bhasmasur to destroy anyone by simply touching them on the head. However, Bhasmasur became greedy and tried to use this power on Shiva himself. In the end, Bhasmasur's greed led to his own destruction, as he ended up touching his own head and dying from his own power.
This myth has a clear parallel to Jude’s life. Just like Bhasmasur, Jude’s dreams and ambitions start out as something that could bring him success and happiness. But instead, these very dreams lead to his downfall. Jude’s desire to rise above his social class and become a scholar is similar to the destructive power that Bhasmasur gains. Jude’s dreams, like Bhasmasur’s power, consume him and ultimately destroy him.
Hardy’s use of the Esdras epigraph and the comparison with the myth of Bhasmasur highlights how Jude’s ambition, though noble and admirable, leads him into greater despair. Jude is not able to escape his fate, and like Bhasmasur, his desires become the cause of his own ruin.
The Structure of Jude the Obscure and Its Tragic Impact :-
One of the most striking aspects of Jude the Obscure is the way Hardy structures the novel. Unlike many novels where the main character grows and matures, Jude the Obscure is a story of gradual decline. Jude’s life is filled with dreams and hopes, but as the novel progresses, his hopes become crushed by the social systems around him. The structure of the novel reflects this decline, with each part showing a different stage in Jude’s life, each stage worse than the last.
The novel is divided into six parts, and as we move from one part to the next, Jude’s life falls apart. In the first part, we see Jude as a young man with high hopes of becoming an educated scholar. He is full of ambition and optimism, believing that education will allow him to escape his working-class background and achieve something meaningful. However, as he tries to achieve his dreams, he faces constant obstacles. These obstacles come in the form of social class barriers, lack of money, and limited opportunities for someone of his background.
The second part of the novel introduces us to Sue Bridehead, a woman who becomes a significant part of Jude’s life. Sue is independent and unconventional in her views on relationships, which creates a unique bond between her and Jude. However, despite their strong intellectual and emotional connection, their relationship faces severe difficulties due to societal expectations, religious morality, and personal contradictions.
As the novel progresses, we see Jude’s situation becoming worse. His attempts to become educated are thwarted, and his relationship with Sue is filled with struggles. His first marriage to Arabella ends in failure, and his second, more meaningful relationship with Sue is equally tragic. Despite his love for Sue, their relationship is strained by society’s judgment and the expectations placed on them.
The structure of the novel, with its focus on Jude’s slow and tragic decline, reflects Hardy’s critique of Victorian society. Jude’s decline is not just a personal failure; it is the result of a rigid society that does not allow for personal growth. The novel shows how social systems, such as class and gender roles, limit individual freedom and happiness. Jude’s downfall is not merely because of his own shortcomings, but because of a world that refuses to let him succeed.
Conclusion :-
Jude the Obscure is a story about a man named Jude, whose dreams and ambitions are crushed by society’s harsh rules. The epigraphs, like "The Letter Killeth" and the reference to Esdras, show how following strict rules without understanding their deeper meaning can destroy a person’s spirit. The myth of Bhasmasur also connects with Jude’s life, as his own desires lead to his downfall.
The way Hardy structures the novel shows how Jude’s life gets worse step by step. It’s not just his own mistakes, but the society around him that stops him from achieving his dreams. In the end, the novel shows how hard it is for people to succeed when they are trapped by the expectations and limits of the world. Hardy’s story is a reminder of how difficult life can be when society doersn’t allow individuals to grow or change.
Thank you for reading..
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