Jude the Obscure

by Thomas Hardy
Jude the Obscure cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Literary Fiction
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Technical
  • ID: 1805
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781460401200
  • Publisher: Broadview Press
  • Published: 1999-07-07
  • Formats: 15
  • Reviews: 3

Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure, published in 1895, sparked immediate controversy with its frank portrayal of relationships and scathing critique of late-Victorian society. The novel's depiction of the 'New Woman' and its attacks on religious bigotry and the institution of marriage outraged many, while others praised its progressive ideas and innovative techniques. /n/n Vivid and complex, the novel marked the culmination of Hardy's development as a leading novelist, bridging the gap between the Victorian and Modernist eras. The Broadview edition restores the original, controversial 1895 text, offering readers a chance to experience the full impact of Hardy's provocative work.

Reviews
The Word Wolf · 2022-09-20
thought-provoking 3.50

The reviewer highlights the protagonist's relentless struggle against societal barriers and the inherent classism that permeates the narrative. The book is praised for its profound exploration of social issues.

This review emphasizes the protagonist's journey and the societal obstacles he faces, particularly the insurmountable barriers of class. The reviewer finds the book's depiction of Jude's struggles to be both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking. The narrative is seen as a powerful critique of the Victorian era's rigid social structures, making it a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers.

Quick quotes

    Jude is continually snubbed. In spite of his hard work and academic drive, he can't shake off his working class status.

    This was an outright ...

    The book's depiction of Jude's struggles to be both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking.

Kara Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2018-08-31
beautiful 4.00

Despite its somber tone, the book is celebrated for its beautiful prose and Hardy's mastery of language. The reviewer finds it a compelling read despite its lack of uplifting moments.

Kara Babcock appreciates the book's somber yet beautiful prose, highlighting Hardy's exceptional use of language. While the story is not uplifting, it is seen as a profound exploration of human emotions and societal constraints. The reviewer finds the narrative to be deeply moving and thought-provoking, making it a memorable read. The book's themes of love, loss, and societal struggle are beautifully intertwined, creating a rich and engaging experience for the reader.

Quick quotes

    Jude the Obscure is not a happy or uplifting book by any means, yet it is still a beautiful book to read.

    Hardy's love of words, as evidenced in ...

    The book's themes of love, loss, and societal struggle are beautifully intertwined.

MuggleNet · 2014-04-07
critical 4.00

Hardy's novel critically examines societal cruelty and hypocrisy, highlighting the struggles of individuals against rigid social structures. The narrative is both poignant and unflinching in its portrayal of human resilience.

This review delves into Hardy's exploration of societal norms and the harsh realities faced by those who defy them. The reviewer appreciates Hardy's unyielding critique of the societal structures that stifle individual aspirations. The story of Jude Fawley is seen as a powerful commentary on the limitations imposed by class and social expectations, making it a compelling read that resonates with contemporary issues.

Quick quotes

    Hardy skewers the cruelty and hypocrisy of the way society works.

    He shows how, even in moments when men attempt to do something about the ...

    The narrative is both poignant and unflinching in its portrayal of human resilience.

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