Jude the Obscure

"Jude the Obscure" is a novel by Thomas Hardy, published in 1895. It tells the story of Jude Fawley, a working-class man with aspirations of becoming an academic, who struggles against societal norms and personal tragedies. Set in rural England, the novel explores themes of class, education, marriage, and the constraints of Victorian society. Jude's relationships, particularly with his cousin Sue Bridehead and his unfulfilled dreams, highlight the challenges of pursuing happiness and love in a rigid social order. The novel's realistic portrayal of life's hardships and complexities has made it a significant work in English literature.