English-Chinese Comparative Reader - Anonymous Jude

Author: Thomas Hardy Yang Xuegong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-04-01
Features: The novel narrates the tragic life of Jude Fawley, a rural young man. Jude is intelligent and eager to learn but is tempted by the beautiful and vulgar barmaid Arabella and marries her. However, Arabella soon abandons Jude for a new lover. Jude moves to Christminster and 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 turns to Jude. They live together informally without formally marrying and have children. Jude fails to fulfill his ambitions, leaving the family homeless. In despair, his eldest son (Jude's) hangs himself along with his younger sister and brother. Stricken by this tragedy, Sue is filled with extreme guilt and self-loathing, ultimately surrendering to fate and the church, returning to her former husband. Having been abandoned, Arabella takes the opportunity to lure Jude into marrying her. However, Jude cannot forget Sue and falls into depression, dying in resentment before turning thirty.