"Jude the obscure" by Thomas Hardy

 "Jude the obscure"

By 

Thomas Hardy 

Introduction :-

"Jude the obscure" novel written by Thomas Hardy, published in the year 1895. This text is the modern text than other texts. This text is the reflect as a the challenging text in the world of English literature. This text is showing that the How you tell the story? In modern form we can not find beginning or middle of the story and also ending of the story. Tell the story in an Incompleteness way.

Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) :-

Thomas Hardy was an English Novelist and Poet. Thomas Hardy was known known as a Victoran novelist. Thomas Hard was highly critical of much in Victorian society, especially on the declining status of rural people in Britain, such as those from his native South West England.

Thomas Hardy (1840-1928)

Works List of Hardy :-

Novels :-

1. "Far from the Madding Crowd" (1874)

2. "The Mayor of Casterbridge" (1886)

3. "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" (1891)

4. "Jude the obscure" (1895)

5. "The poor man and the Lady" (1867)

Poems :-

1. "The Blinded Bird"

2. "The man he killed" and many more.

Now let's discuss the questions...

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

A-1. 

The epigraph "Letter killeth" in Thomas Hardy's novel "Jude the Obscure" is a biblical reference, specifically from the New Testament. It comes from 2 Corinthians 3:6 and the full verse is: "Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."

The significance of epigraph :-

The significance of this epigraph in the context of the novel is related to the themes of education, and the clash between formal knowledge and personal experience. It has tried to build a personal experience in a certain ways. It suggests that a rigid adherence to established rules, traditions, and conventional wisdom can be stifling and even destructive, leading to a kind of "spiritual death." In the novel, the characters, particularly Jude, grapple with the limitations imposed by societal and educational norms, and the epigraph underscores the tension between the formal, rule-bound world and the human spirit's quest for freedom, learning, and personal growth.

The epigraph written explore the various themes like...

➤ The limitations of formal education.

➤ The conflict between tradition and personal experience.

➤ The human spirit. 

➤ Irony and Critique.

The epigraph's message influences the actions and decisions of the characters as they grapple with societal norms, educational aspirations, and personal desires, all of which are central themes in the novel. 

Q-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?

A-2.

Connecting the meaning of the epigraph from 'Esdras' at the beginning of the first chapter of the novel to the myth of Bhasmasur is possible in a thematic or metaphorical sense, but it requires some interpretation and extrapolation. Let's explore how these two elements could be connected...

1. Epigraph from 'Esdras' ("The letter killeth") :- 

This epigraph suggests that a strict adherence to the "letter" or written law can lead to negative or oppressive consequences. It emphasizes the potential harm that can come from rigid adherence to rules without considering the broader context.

2. The Myth of Bhasmasur :- 

In Hindu mythology, Bhasmasur was a demon who received a boon from Lord Shiva, which granted him the power to turn anyone to ashes by touching their head. Bhasmasur then sought to use this power against Lord Shiva. The story illustrates the destructive potential of unchecked power and desire.

Connecting these two elements :-

Connecting these two, you could draw parallels between the theme of unchecked desire and the epigraph's warning about the harm that can come from rigid adherence to laws or desires. In the novel, characters like Jude and Sue grapple with their own desires, societal norms, and the consequences of their actions. The epigraph's message could serve as a cautionary theme, highlighting the potential destructive consequences of their desires and actions, much like the cautionary tale of Bhasmasur's uncontrollable power.

Q-3. Research article - symbolic indictment of Christianity - Norman Holland J.R. | Uni. California.

A -3.

It is a good research article on the symbolic indictment of Christianity. First we will see that the what is the meaning of Indictment? 

What is the meaning of Indictment? :-

It is the very simple meaning of Indictment that is serious charge of something. According to Oxford dictionary,

Research article Understanding :-

Additionally, Norman Holland's research article, "Symbolic Indictment of Christianity," explores the novel's symbolic critique of Christianity. Poetries are symbolic and novels are also symbolic indictment in literature. During the time we studied the symbolically Christianity, Hinduism and religion aspects. The Arabella is the prominent figure in this novel. 'Imagin of Pig' is the most prominent term used in this novel. In the "Jude the obscure" novel talks about the main character, Jude's defeat from the hands of the society. There are so many symbols define in this novel like... Marriage & sensuality, Drink & drunken, and Blood.

Jude & Sue are the central role in this novel. 

          -----↗ German name Jew

Jude       

          -----↘         Combination of 

               Sensuality & aspiration

The structure of inter relations are equally symbolic in this novel. Hardy gave his argument on the symbolic indictment of Christianity. The argument on, not only Christian in this world but all are one and other also live in this world. There are four characters like, Arabella, Jude, Sue, Philloson has different kind of perspectives and personality. Hardy were set the principal to these characters. All the characters have different religions and follow the own religions. For Jude, Sue is the the higher and Arabella is lower. Here we can identify the class conflict in this situation. The religion is the symbolically described by Hardy in a very creative manner.

One video lecture on this topic from YouTube by Dr. Dilip Barad sir... It is a good research article on this major topic.

Conclusion :-

"Jude the Obscure" by Thomas Hardy is a novel that delves into themes of societal constraints, education, and personal aspirations. The epigraph, "Letter killeth," sets the tone for the narrative, warning against rigid adherence to rules and norms. "Jude the obscure" novel deals with symbolic indictment of Christianity. Hardy was the prominent figure in symbolic culture in English Literature.

References :-

1. ChatGPT open AI tool

2. YouTube video on "Jude the obscure"

3. Thomas Hardy