Jude the Obscure: A Norton Critical Edition

I purchased the Norton Critical Edition of this novel because I've always valued the quality of these publications, as well as the valuable scholarship in the included essays. This was Thomas Hardy's last novel (but some excellent poetry was still to come). I first read "Jude..." in a Victorian Lit class years ago and decided it was time to go back again and read it after some life experience. Hardy was one of my favorite novelists. Let me see if he stands the test of time. Victorian novels are long and complicated, and "Jude the Obscure" was probably the densest of the course curriculum, followed closely by "Bleak House." As I also recall, this novel was Hardy's most autobiographical too.

The novel begins with the 11-year-old orphan Jude dreaming of one day leaving his small, rural village to enter the university at Christminster to become a cleric. To that end, he teaches himself Latin and Greek and reads as many Classical and ecclesiastical works as he can find. This is no mean feat! But the story is not about Jude’s ambitions. Rather it is about societal attitudes toward marriage and relationships. One can hear Hardy speaking through his characters as they point out the injustice of requiring a lifelong commitment when the love leading to it proves temporary, or where love does not exist at all, leaving people trapped in unhappy situations. Indeed, one character goes so far as to argue that marriage itself suffocates love. The tell-tale signs of a married couple are bickering and throwing things at each other. Only lovers treat each other with tenderness and affection. Jude’s relationships with two women provide Hardy with his platform: the earthy, sensual Arabella Donn who seduces the bookish and naïve lad and periodically reappears to complicate his life, and the ethereal, unconventional Sue Bridehead, Jude’s true love. A further snag appears in the form of Jude’s former teacher, Richard Phillotson. These are not engaging characters we fall in love with and cheer for. Jude is dedicated and hard-working, but docile and obliging to a fault. Sue is exasperating, continually changing her mind, easily goaded into actions that are contrary to her convictions and nature, evasive, and somehow unable to articulate her reasoning on some matters while arguing persuasively on others. Arabella is a scheming opportunist. Phillotson is a decent man, but lacks any magnetism or flavor. Yet, we still feel pity for them, watching in dismay as these characters make mistakes that have enduring consequences. The tone of the entire novel is somber, and its ending is arguably one of Hardy’s most tragic.’ This gloomy indictment of Victorian society is not a pleasurable read, but offers a powerful view of the struggle of personal convictions with social conditioning and public opinion.

Amazing story by a superbly, clear and and learned writer, and deals with many issues that remain very current, although the book was written over 120 years ago. 4 stars because I'm not sure the characters themselves are too believable - particularly Jude, who comes across as incredibly naive and immature.

Tells of the life of a stone mason living in England during the nineteenth century. He has ideas above his station and a hunger for learning. Tragic events and a scheming woman over take him, leading him to misery and ruin. Not an uplifting tale—typical Thomas Hardy. But it's a wonderful read for getting the feel of those very hard times.

Ottima edizione.

great product, really happy thanks :)

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My only grouse is that the font is rather cramped. Not exceptionally so, but definitely more than what one expects from a paperback generally. Made it harder to read.