World Classics Series -- Jude the Obscure (Bilingual Reading Material) (Bilingual Reading Material)

Author: Thomas Hardy
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-04-01
Features: The novel narrates the tragic life of Jude Fawley, a rural young man. Jude is intelligent and studious, but he is tempted by the beautiful and vulgar barmaid Arabella and marries her. However, Arabella soon abandons Jude to seek new companions. Jude moves to Christminster, where he meets his cousin Sue Bridehead, and they fall in love at first sight. However, Sue, driven by a moment of self-destructive impulse, suddenly decides to marry Frazer, who has long been interested in her. Although Frazer treats Sue with respect and tenderness, she eventually leaves him due to physical repulsion and returns to Jude. They do not formally marry but live together freely and have children. Jude fails to fulfill his ambitions, leaving the family without a place to live. In despair, his eldest son (born to Arabella) hangs himself along with his younger sister and brother. Stricken by this tragedy, Sue is filled with extreme remorse and self-loathing, ultimately surrendering to fate and the church, returning to her former husband. Having been abandoned, Arabella takes the opportunity to trick Jude into agreeing to marry her. However, Jude cannot forget Sue and falls into deep melancholy, dying in resentment before turning thirty.