In Thomas Hardy’s novel Jude the Obscure various aspects of dealing with the development of characters, contriving new ways of narration in 19th century English literature and also the influence of autobiographical references reveal themselves to not only squeamish readers.
The following examination of Hardy’s last novel is based on the impacts of biological determinism on the development and the course of action of Sue Bridehead and Jude Fawley. Additionally the way Hardy’s novel was conceived and how the roles of Sue and Jude actively shaped this gloomy novel will be examined. Both tragic characters will be paid equal attention to, as far as an acute analysis of their traits of character and a connection with theories of determinism is concerned. Furthermore there will be a short discourse on Hardy’s process of contrivance of figures which will be directly and explicitly related to the different fall of both characters. Especially the fateful evolution of Jude Fawley, the tragic main character, will be debated.
The difficulties of analyzing the existence of biological determinism in Jude the Obscure are of various stamping. While a determinist can easily give a detailed description of his theoretical knowledge or approach, one must read between the lines and rely on a huge accumulation of tiny hints discovered amid all passages of the novel to actually distinguish the effects of biological determinism on Jude Fawley and Sue Bridehead.
An isolated view of both characters is helpful at first but finally is uncovered as insufficient. Jude’s and Sue’s course of action and mutual interaction have to be considered to make it clear to the reader of the examination at hand that the determined development of both characters is realized by the way one influences the other.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Character and development of Sue Bridehead
Jude Fawley: a biologically determined figure
The gloomy quality of Jude the Obscure
Objectives & Research Topics
This academic examination investigates the influence of biological determinism on the characters of Sue Bridehead and Jude Fawley in Thomas Hardy’s final novel, exploring how their inherent traits and mutual interactions drive the tragic narrative and reflect the societal pressures of the 19th century.
- The impact of biological determinism on character development.
- The role of social conventions and marriage in individual tragedy.
- Hardy’s narrative techniques and the contrivance of tragic figures.
- The interplay between individual autonomy and environmental fate.
- Critical perspectives on Hardy’s portrayals of gender and identity.
Excerpt from the Book
Character and development of Sue Bridehead
The subsequent analysis will deal with the seemingly odd character of the alleged heroine Sue Bridehead and the way Sue changes during the evolvement of the plot.
It is of great importance to initially explain the term biological determinism. A scientist who claims to refer to the theories of biological determinism would argue that humans – their appearance, behavior, and even long-term fate – are entirely determined by genes. He would ascribe any change in a person’s character to a change in genes and finally a change in the phenotype. Relating such a theory to the process of characterization makes it necessary to compare a character’s behaviour to assumed inherent values such as traits of character or personal past experiences.
In Sue we can detect various forms of biological determinism and will slowly but certainly discover that a change in behaviour has, to a certain extent, to be attributed to social circumstances and events occurring while in frequent interaction with Jude, another determined individual pointed at later. Sue and Jude who, against all social conventions, generate a benign but in the end painful relationship throughout Jude the Obscure, are cousins.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This section introduces the research focus on biological determinism within Thomas Hardy's novel and outlines the methodology for analyzing the tragic development of the main characters.
Character and development of Sue Bridehead: This chapter analyzes the complex personality of Sue Bridehead, interpreting her erratic behavior and masochistic tendencies through the lens of determinism and societal expectations.
Jude Fawley: a biologically determined figure: This chapter examines Jude Fawley’s life, focusing on his intellectual frustrations and the inevitable decline of his ambitions as influenced by his inherent nature and external circumstances.
The gloomy quality of Jude the Obscure: This chapter explores the dark atmosphere of the novel, specifically discussing the symbolic role of Little Father Time and critical interpretations regarding Hardy's portrayal of tragedy.
Keywords
Thomas Hardy, Jude the Obscure, biological determinism, Sue Bridehead, Jude Fawley, 19th century literature, tragedy, character development, social conventions, Little Father Time, determinism, literary criticism, narrative structure, Victorian society, fatalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this academic paper?
The paper examines how the theory of biological determinism shapes the tragic arcs of the two main characters, Sue Bridehead and Jude Fawley, in Thomas Hardy’s novel "Jude the Obscure."
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The study covers the intersection of genetic destiny and environmental factors, the restrictive nature of 19th-century social conventions, and the psychological complexity of Hardy's characterizations.
What is the main research question or objective?
The objective is to demonstrate that the characters' development is not merely a result of chance, but is driven by their biological traits and the inevitable conflicts arising from their interactions within a restrictive society.
Which scientific or analytical method is employed?
The author uses a close-reading approach, analyzing "tiny hints" and textual evidence, supported by critical essays from scholars like D.H. Lawrence and Albert J. Guerard.
What specific topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body focuses on the individual development of Sue and Jude, the impact of their marriage-related fears, the symbolic tragedy associated with Little Father Time, and the overall "gloomy" atmosphere of the narrative.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include biological determinism, character development, tragedy, social conventions, and fatalism, among others relevant to Hardy's literary analysis.
How does the author interpret Sue Bridehead's personality?
The author views Sue as a "hysteric" or "epicene" character whose struggle for individual expression is constantly undermined by her own inherent nervous disorders and the pressure of societal norms.
Why is Jude Fawley considered a "biologically determined" figure?
Jude is analyzed as a character whose inner tensions and intellectual failures are predetermined by his nature, leading to a life of permanent frustration that no amount of study or effort can overcome.
What significance is attributed to the character Little Father Time?
Little Father Time is identified as an active contributor to the novel's dark atmosphere, reflecting the tragedy and fatalism that Hardy intended to portray in his last novel.
- Quote paper
- Jan Teichelmann (Author), 2007, Biological determinism and the development of tragic characters in 'Jude the Obscure', Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/79106
