Characters
Jude Fawley
Jude Fawley, the protagonist of the novel, is depicted as a tragic figure who embodies the conflict between aspiration and societal reality. From a young age, Jude dreams of becoming a scholar, a desire nurtured by his early mentor, Richard Phillotson. However, his ambitions are continually thwarted by his circumstances and personal failings. Raised by his coarse and ignorant great-aunt, Drusilla Fawley, Jude is subjected to a childhood of hardship. His empathy and idealism are evident in scenes where he allows starving birds to eat grain, costing him his job in a farmer's field, and his reluctance to kill a pig swiftly, which invites scorn from Arabella, his first wife.
Jude's susceptibility to manipulation is highlighted by his relationships with Arabella Donn and Sue Bridehead. Arabella ensnares him in marriage through deception, and Sue, his intellectual and emotional counterpart, exerts a deep influence on him. Sue's inconsistent nature and her aversion to conventional marriage lead Jude away from his religious aspirations. Despite his pure love for Sue, Jude's life spirals into despair following the tragic deaths of their children, culminating in his own demise, exacerbated by alcohol and heartbreak.
Jude’s character is further complicated by his internal struggles. His idealism often clashes with reality, as seen when he is unable to fulfill his dreams of higher education, leading to episodes of drunkenness. His life is ultimately a series of unfulfilled aspirations and tragic losses, making him one of Hardy's most poignant and complex characters.
Sue Bridehead
Sue Bridehead is Jude’s cousin and his true love, characterized by her impulsive and enigmatic nature. As a fiercely independent woman, she challenges societal norms and religious conventions, often expressing sympathy for paganism over Christianity. Her purchases of pagan statues and her irreverent attitude towards traditional institutions underscore her rebellious spirit.
Sue’s aversion to conventional marriage leads her to marry Richard Phillotson out of obligation, only to leave him due to her repulsion. Although she enters into a relationship with Jude and has children with him, her fear of societal judgment and her internal conflicts prevent her from fully committing to him. The tragic loss of their children causes a profound transformation in Sue, pushing her towards a life of conformity and repentance. Her return to Phillotson marks a stark departure from her previous ideals, reflecting her complex and contradictory nature.
Sue's journey from a liberated thinker to a submissive wife encapsulates the novel's exploration of the constraints imposed by society and personal guilt, making her one of Hardy's most intriguing characters.
Richard Phillotson
Richard Phillotson, initially Jude's mentor, is a schoolmaster who once harbored dreams of social and intellectual advancement. His relationship with Sue is fraught with tension, as their marriage reveals fundamental differences in age and belief. Phillotson's decision to let Sue leave for Jude is a testament to his evolving moral compass and his recognition of individual needs over societal expectations.
Despite the personal and professional fallout from his decision, Phillotson remains a compassionate figure. His willingness to remarry Sue, without imposing marital demands, illustrates a profound act of forgiveness and love. Though his aspirations are never fully realized, Phillotson emerges as a character who embodies growth and acceptance amidst adversity.
Arabella Donn
Arabella Donn, Jude’s first wife, is portrayed as a cunning and pragmatic woman who uses deception to secure marriage. Her materialistic and ambitious nature contrasts sharply with Jude’s idealism. After tricking Jude into marriage, she leaves him and later returns, seeking to marry another man to improve her social standing. Her return to Jude in his final days serves only to exacerbate his misery, as she...
(This entire section contains 977 words.)
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plans for her future beyond his impending death.
Little Father Time
Little Father Time, the son of Jude and Arabella, is a somber and precocious child who bears the weight of familial and societal burdens. Sent to live with Jude and Sue, he is acutely aware of his outsider status and feels responsible for the anxiety he causes. His tragic decision to end his own life, along with those of his half-siblings, underscores the novel's themes of despair and the impact of societal pressures on the vulnerable.
Drusilla Fawley
Drusilla Fawley, Jude’s great-aunt, takes on the role of his guardian after his parents’ deaths. Her coarse demeanor and constant admonishments against marriage echo the familial history of unsuccessful unions, shaping Jude’s early perceptions of relationships. Her stories and warnings fail to prevent Jude's entanglement in ill-fated marriages, highlighting the persistent influence of family legacies.
Cartlett
Cartlett is Arabella's second husband, representing her pragmatic approach to relationships. His presence in the narrative provides a contrast to Jude's idealism and underscores Arabella's pursuit of financial security and social advancement.
Anny and Sarah
Anny and Sarah are close friends of Arabella who assist in her schemes. Their involvement in encouraging Arabella to deceive Jude into marriage highlights the external influences that contribute to the central conflicts in Jude's life.
Mr. Donn
Mr. Donn, Arabella’s father, supports her in her marital strategies, particularly during her second attempt to secure Jude as a husband. His role emphasizes the familial bonds that reinforce Arabella's manipulative tendencies.
Gillingham
Gillingham, a confidant of Richard Phillotson, offers advice that often goes unheeded. His presence in the story reflects the societal expectations and pressures faced by Phillotson, as well as the complexities of friendship and loyalty amidst personal turmoil.
Mrs. Edlin
Mrs. Edlin, a neighbor of Drusilla Fawley, provides support to both Jude and Sue in times of need. Her character embodies the theme of community and the occasional kindness found in a largely indifferent world.
Vilbert
Physician Vilbert is a quack doctor whose empty promises of Greek and Latin texts serve as Jude’s first encounter with disillusionment. His exploitation of Jude's thirst for knowledge highlights the broader theme of manipulation and unmet aspirations that pervade Jude's life.
