'Jude the obscure ' Thinking activity

 Hello, 

Welcome to my blog ,this blog written as a part of a Thinking activity assigned by Dr.dilip barad sir. where I will talk about what I think and try to answer the questions given in this task. If you give more detail this activity, visit this link.

 For The Background Reading:

Introduction:

"Jude the Obscure" is a novel written by Thomas Hardy, published in 1895. It is set in the rural region of Wessex, which is a fictionalized version of Hardy's native Dorset in England. The novel is a tragic story of Jude Fawley, a working-class man with aspirations to receive an education and better his social standing. It explores themes of class, marriage, social constraints, and the struggle for self-improvement.

The novel was quite controversial at the time of its publication due to its frank and critical portrayal of societal norms and institutions, especially marriage and religion. It was met with harsh criticism, and Hardy's bleak and pessimistic view of human destiny and the institutions that shape it offended many Victorian readers.

About Thomas Hardy:

Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) was an English novelist and poet known for his works that explore themes of rural life, fate, and the human condition. Some of his most famous novels include "Tess of the d'Urbervilles," "Far from the Madding Crowd," and "Jude the Obscure." Hardy's writing often depicted the harsh realities of life in the Victorian era and examined the struggles and tragedies of his characters. He was also a renowned poet, with collections like "Poems of the Past and Present" and "Satires of Circumstance." Hardy's works continue to be studied and appreciated for their literary merit and social commentary.

Now let's discuss of questions one by one.

(Q.1). What is the significance of epigraph written by Hardy - ' letter killeth' for this novel , Jude the obscure.

Ans:The epigraph "Letter killeth" from St. Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians is significant in Thomas Hardy's novel "Jude the Obscure" because it sets the tone for the book's exploration of the destructive power of societal conventions, moral codes, and religious doctrines. The full quote is "the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life," highlighting the idea that rigid adherence to written rules and dogmas can stifle individual freedom and lead to suffering. In the context of the novel, this epigraph foreshadows the tragic consequences that befall the characters, especially Jude, as they grapple with the constraints of their society, class, and relationships.

(Critique of Social Norms): The epigraph reflects Hardy's critique of the strict moral and social norms of the Victorian era. In the novel, Jude and Sue's pursuit of happiness is constantly thwarted by societal conventions, such as the prohibitions on divorce, extramarital affairs, and their pursuit of education.

(Religious Oppression): St. Paul's words are also relevant to the novel's critique of religious dogma and its impact on the characters. Jude's aspirations to gain an education and be free of religious constraints are stifled by his society's adherence to rigid religious principles.

(Symbol of Jude's Intellectual Journey): Jude's own intellectual journey, as he seeks to gain knowledge and escape his humble origins, aligns with the spirit of St. Paul's message. The 'letter' of the law or societal norms stands as a barrier to his quest for self-improvement and personal growth.

(Q.2).It is possible to connect the meaning of the epigraph of ' Edras' at the beginning of the first chapter of the novel and the myth of Bhasmasur?

1.Epigraph of ' Edras':

This epigraph suggests that a strict adherence to the "letter" or written law can lead to negative or oppressive consequences.

2. Myth of Bhasmasur:

The story of Bhasmasura is a Hindu myth from Indian mythology. Bhasmasura was a demon who received a boon from Lord Shiva, which granted him the power to turn anyone to ashes by touching their head. However, Bhasmasura soon became power-hungry and decided to test his new ability on Lord Shiva himself.

In this tale, Lord Vishnu took the form of the enchanting Mohini, captivating Bhasmasura. He was so taken by her beauty that he began to imitate her dance moves. At one point, Mohini placed her hand on her own head, and Bhasmasura, copying her, touched his own head, thus turning himself into ashes.

This myth serves as a lesson on the consequences of greed and misuse of power, as well as the cleverness of the gods in overcoming adversity. 

*thematic connect epigraph of 'Edras' and myth of Bhasmasur?

The connection between the epigraph of a novel and the myth of Bhasmasur would depend on the specific content of the epigraph and the context within the novel. Without knowing the exact epigraph and its relation to the story, it's challenging to provide a direct connection. However, if the epigraph alludes to themes of destruction, power, or transformation, and these themes are present in the myth of Bhasmasur, there could be a thematic link between the two. To draw a meaningful connection, you'd need to analyze the novel's content and the significance of the epigraph within the context of the story.

Q.3. Research article - symbolic indictment of Christianity - Norman Holland J.R. Uni. California.

First , what is meaning of  indictment?

If you say that one thing is an indictment of another thing, you mean that it shows how bad the other thing is.

Norman Holland J.r

"Jude the Obscure" is indeed a novel by Thomas Hardy that can be interpreted as a critique of the rigid social and religious norms of Victorian England. Hardy explores themes of class, education, marriage, and religion in the novel. While it's not necessarily a direct indictment of Christianity, it does portray how societal and religious expectations can be oppressive, especially for characters like Jude and Sue, who face the consequences of their unconventional choices within a conservative society.

Hardy's work often questions the role of religion and its impact on individuals and society, and "Jude the Obscure" can be seen as a reflection of his critical stance toward the dogmatic aspects of Christianity. The characters in the novel grapple with moral and ethical dilemmas in the context of their religious beliefs, which leads to tragedy and suffering.

Thank you.....