Thomas Hardy initially considered several titles for his novel before finally settling on "Jude the Obscure." The working titles included "The Simpletons," "The Hearts of the Simple," and "Jude the Obscure."
-
"The Simpletons" and "The Hearts of the Simple" were likely considered because they reflect Hardy's exploration of the struggles of common people in the face of societal constraints and expectations. Jude Fawley, the protagonist, is a humble stonemason with scholarly ambitions, and he, along with his love interest Sue Bridehead, suffer greatly under the weight of societal and religious norms. However, Hardy may have discarded these titles as they might have suggested a condescending view of the characters which he did not intend.
-
"Jude the Obscure" was finally chosen because it encapsulates the main character's obscurity and his struggle against societal norms. Jude remains an obscure figure in society despite his intellectual abilities and ambitions. The title reflects the tragedy of his life, as he remains unrecognised and insignificant in the eyes of society.
As for the epigraph, Hardy uses a quote from the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible: "The tree of the knowledge of good and evil was the tree of death." This relates to the novel in that it reflects Hardy's critique of Victorian society's rigid moral and social structures. Jude's pursuit of knowledge leads him to challenge societal norms, particularly the institution of marriage, and this ultimately leads to his downfall. The epigraph hints at the tragic consequences of challenging established norms, thus foreshadowing the fate of Jude and Sue.
The AI-generated answer is accurate but doesn't include all the potential titles Hardy considered. The following answer provides further details about Hardy's process and possible titles, including why they were discarded:
Titles and Reasons for Changing Them
Before settling on Jude the Obscure, Thomas Hardy tried out several other titles for his novel. Here are some of them, along with the reasons why he ultimately rejected them:
- Hearts Insurgent: This title was considered too sentimental and melodramatic for the novel's overall tone.
- The Ruined Maid: This title was seen as too specific and suggestive of a single plot point rather than capturing the novel's broader themes.
- The Simpletons: This title was deemed too generic and unoriginal, failing to convey the complexity of the characters and their struggles.
- The Wessex Tragedy: While this title captured the tragic nature of the story, it was considered too bleak and depressing, potentially deterring readers.
Ultimately, Hardy settled on Jude the Obscure for several reasons. This title:
- Reflects the protagonist's name and central role in the narrative.
- It holds a sense of mystery and intrigue, enticing readers to learn more.
- Suggests the novel explores themes like class, education, and societal expectations.
- It has a more neutral tone, allowing the story to unfold without preconceived notions.
The Epigraph and its Relation to the Novel
The epigraph chosen by Hardy for Jude the Obscure is:
"The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."
This quote comes from the Second Epistle to the Corinthians in the New Testament and holds significant meaning for the novel. It highlights the central conflict between:
- Adhering unquestioningly to rigid rules and conventions ("the letter")
- Embracing individuality and independent thought ("the spirit")
This conflict manifests throughout the novel in various ways:
- Jude's struggle to access higher education due to his social class.
- Sue's questioning of societal norms and religious dogma.
- The characters' efforts to find happiness and fulfillment in a world that often stifles them.
The epigraph is a constant reminder of the potential dangers of unthinkingly following the rules, suggesting that true freedom and happiness lie in embracing individual expression and independent thought. This becomes particularly relevant in the novel's tragic ending, where the characters' attempts to defy societal expectations ultimately lead to their downfall.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.