Jude the Obscure Summary

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What is Jude Fawley's aspiration in 'Jude the Obscure'?

To become a successful stonemason

To marry Arabella Donn

To study at the university in Christminster (correct)

To travel to Australia

Why does Jude's marriage to Arabella fall apart?

Arabella moves to Australia

Arabella becomes a schoolteacher

Jude falls in love with Sue Bridehead

Jude discovers Arabella's deceit (correct)

What obstacle prevents Jude from entering the university in Christminster?

Lack of academic qualifications

Financial difficulties and social status (correct)

Arabella's interference

Lack of interest in higher education

Who is Sue Bridehead's employer in 'Jude the Obscure'?

Richard Phillotson Signup and view all the answers

Why does Sue Bridehead eventually marry Richard Phillotson?

After learning about Jude's prior marriage Signup and view all the answers

What feelings does Jude develop for Sue Bridehead?

Passionate love Signup and view all the answers

What distracts Jude from his studies initially?

Arabella Donn's manipulation Signup and view all the answers

What does Jude do to try to fulfill his dream of studying at the university?

Teaches himself classical languages and stonemasonry work Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jude find it challenging to gain acceptance at the university?

As a result of financial constraints and social class limitations Signup and view all the answers

How does Sue react upon discovering Jude's previous marriage?

Her feelings towards Jude become more ambiguous. Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for Phillotson losing his job and social respectability?

For letting Sue leave him for Jude Signup and view all the answers

Why does Sue grow obsessively religious after the tragedy?

She is trying to seek forgiveness for her sins Signup and view all the answers

What is the name given to the son that Arabella had with Jude in Australia?

Little Father Time Signup and view all the answers

What causes Jude and Sue to begin leading a nomadic life?

Their unmarried status and difficulty finding a room Signup and view all the answers

What leads to the tragic event involving Little Father Time and the other children?

The belief that the children are causing trouble Signup and view all the answers

What does Sue do as 'penance' after kissing Jude one last time?

Starts a sexual relationship with Phillotson Signup and view all the answers

What eventually happens to Little Father Time and the two children?

They tragically commit suicide. Signup and view all the answers

Why do Jude and Sue struggle to go through with their wedding ceremony?

Legal issues due to their unmarried status. Signup and view all the answers

What motivates Sue to return to Phillotson despite having no change in her feelings for him?

Religious beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main themes in Jude the Obscure according to the text?

Marriage Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jude marry Arabella in Jude the Obscure?

Due to her feigned pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

What motivates Sue to marry Phillotson in Jude the Obscure?

To make Jude jealous Signup and view all the answers

How does Hardy depict the concept of fate in Jude the Obscure?

As a supernatural punishment Signup and view all the answers

What societal aspects are criticized by Hardy in Jude the Obscure?

Education, class divides, and hypocrisy Signup and view all the answers

What is Jude's primary goal when trying to gain acceptance at Christminster in Jude the Obscure?

To be accepted into college Signup and view all the answers

How do both Jude and Sue feel after their respective marriages in Jude the Obscure?

They immediately regret their decisions Signup and view all the answers

'Jude the Obscure' can be seen as a critique of which societal structures?

Marriage, education, and class divides Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Victorian society makes Sue Bridehead unique?

Her rejection of traditional Christianity Signup and view all the answers

How does Hardy portray Christianity in 'Jude the Obscure'?

As life-denying and oppressive Signup and view all the answers

What does Sue Bridehead purchase that symbolizes her connection to pre-Christian beliefs?

Figures of Venus and Apollo Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jude hope to join the clergy in 'Jude the Obscure'?

To uphold the traditional Christian values Signup and view all the answers

How does Sue Bridehead challenge gender norms in 'Jude the Obscure'?

By living with men without marrying them Signup and view all the answers

What does Hardy criticize about the institution of Christianity in the novel?

Its oppressive nature Signup and view all the answers

Which character in 'Jude the Obscure' is described as a pre-Christian entity?

Sue Bridehead Signup and view all the answers

What makes Sue Bridehead's behavior surprising for her time in 'Jude the Obscure'?

Her rejection of marriage and sleeping with men Signup and view all the answers

'Jude the Obscure' critiques which societal institution along with marriage?

Education system Signup and view all the answers