Product Description

'Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul?' Jude Fawley, poor and working-class, longs to study at the University of Christminster, but he is rebuffed, and trapped in a loveless marriage. He falls in love with his unconventional cousin Sue Bridehead, and their refusal to marry when free to do so confirms their rejection of and by the world around them. The shocking fate that overtakes them is an indictment of a rigid and uncaring society. Hardy's last and most controversial novel, Jude the Obscure caused outrage when it was published in 1895. This is the first truly critical edition, taking account of the changes that Hardy made over twenty-five years. It includes a new chronology and bibliography and substantially revised notes.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5470 in Books
• Published on: 2002-03-07
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 464 pages

Dale Kramer, University of Oregon.
"Cedric Watts's edition of Jude the Obscure is one of an extremely interesting set of literary works from Broadview Press."

English Literature in Transition
"Broadview Press and editor Cedric Watts have done a splendid job."

Synopsis
'Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul?' Jude Fawley, poor and working-class, longs to study at the University of Christminster, but he is rebuffed, and trapped in a loveless marriage. He falls in love with his unconventional cousin Sue Bridehead, and their refusal to marry when free to do so confirms their rejection of and by the world around them. The shocking fate that overtakes them is an indictment of a rigid and uncaring society. Hardy's last and most controversial novel, Jude the Obscure caused outrage when it was published in 1895. This is the first truly critical edition, taking account of the changes that Hardy made over twenty-five years. It includes a new chronology and bibliography and substantially revised notes.

Customer Reviews

A (surprisingly) great novel!
I loved this book! When I decided to read it I had so many preconceptions about what it would be like (sadly, I used to equate Hardy with `boring'). I was so wrong. A lot of people warned me against Hardy's writing style, but in Jude it was so beautifully descriptive - he brings the characters and their environment to life. When I sat down to read this, I truly felt myself melt into Jude's world. Furthermore, as a couple of other reviewers have mentioned, I was really shocked by the action of the novel. I found myself enthralled by certain scenes, and when the book came to a close I was seriously gutted - I wanted more. I would definitely recommend!

Surprise Literature read
I had to read this for my 3rd year university English course. I made a special effort this year to try and read as much of the required reading as possible, and this was one of the best of the bunch.

It is fairly easy to read, and has an interesting enough plot line to keep you involved. I recommend it as light reading, but do a little analysis and research and you'll find there's a lot of modernist themes in there too. Be aware there are one or two (nasty) twists in the story too.

Wasn't overly impressed
A rather disturbing tale, which though has moments of greatness ultimately fails to satisfy. The story tells of Jude, who sets his heart on attaining entrance to Christminister (Oxbridge) but ultimately denied because of his station. It tells also of his love for his cousin Sue, and ultimately one sees the tragic spiralling conclusion long before it happens. Despite its flaws it's still worth the read and though overly long is still worth it if not simply for the masterful scene where Jude after his rejection writes on the Christminister gate I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you; and who knoweth not such things as these?