Thomas Hardy's Jude the obscure

Jude the obscure by Thomas Hardy

Hello everyone....

This blog based on thinking activity assigned by dilip sir barad . In this blog I'm going discuss this two questions firstly and later on moving for another part of our blog . Two questions are....

1) What is the significance of epigraph written by Hardy - 'Letter Killeth' - for this novel, Jude the Obscure

2) Is it possible to connect the meaning of the epigraph of 'Esdras' at the beginning of the first chapter of the novel and the myth of Bhasmasur?

Before discussing this let me introduce with help of  very short information about the author and the main text Jude the obscure.

Author information:

Thomas Hardy: 

Thomas Hardy was a renowned English novelist and poet who wrote poignantly about rural life, human relationships, and fate. Born in Dorset, his works often featured the landscape of his home county. His novels, including "Far from the Madding Crowd" and "Tess of the d'Urbervilles," explored themes of love, loss, and social class. His poems delved into the human condition and the impact of time. Hardy's literary legacy endures as a key figure in English literature.

Jude the obscure: 

Jude the Obscure, the last completed novel by Thomas Hardy, is a poignant tale of social class, love, ambition, and the challenges faced by those who strive to break free from societal constraints. Set in Victorian England, the story follows the life of Jude Fawley, a young stonemason with an insatiable thirst for knowledge and an unwavering desire to better himself. Despite his humble origins, Jude dreams of becoming a respected scholar, but his aspirations are repeatedly thwarted by social prejudices, personal setbacks, and the weight of his own moral convictions.Through Jude's tumultuous journey, Hardy explores themes of social mobility, gender inequality, and the complexities of human relationships. Jude's passionate but doomed love for Sue Bridehead, a free-spirited young woman with her own unconventional desires, highlights the struggles of individuals who challenge societal norms and the rigid expectations of their time.

Lets move forward to your main topic or we can say that the body part of our blog.

1) Significance of the Epigraph "Letter Killeth"

The epigraph "Letter Killeth" is a reference to the passage in 2 Corinthians 3:6 which states that "the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." In this context, the "letter" can be seen as representing the rigid and dogmatic interpretations of religious and social norms that Jude struggles against throughout his life. The "spirit," on the other hand, represents the freedom and authenticity that Jude yearns for.The epigraph sets the tone for the novel as a story of struggle against oppressive forces. It also foreshadows Jude's ultimate tragedy, which is brought about by his inability to reconcile his own desires with the expectations of society.

2) Connection between the Epigraph of "Esdras" and the Myth of Bhasmasur

The epigraph of "Esdras" at the beginning of the first chapter of the novel states that "The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." This is the same passage that is referenced in the epigraph of "Letter Killeth." However, the epigraph of "Esdras" also includes the additional phrase "And the spirit is Christ." This addition suggests that the path to true freedom and authenticity lies in embracing Christ.The myth of Bhasmasur is a Hindu story about a demon who was granted the power to turn anything he touched into ashes. However, Bhasmasur eventually turned this power against himself, inadvertently destroying himself.There are several parallels between the myth of Bhasmasur and the story of Jude. Both characters are outsiders who are struggling to find their place in the world. Both characters are also granted great power, but they ultimately use this power to destroy themselves.The epigraph of "Esdras" suggests that Jude's tragic downfall is a result of his failure to embrace Christ. In the same way that Bhasmasur's misuse of his power led to his destruction, Jude's misuse of his own desires leads to his own destruction.

In conclusion, the epigraphs of "Letter Killeth" and "Esdras" both play important roles in foreshadowing Jude's tragic fate. The epigraph of "Letter Killeth" highlights the conflict between Jude's own desires and the expectations of society, while the epigraph of "Esdras" suggests that Jude's tragedy is a result of his failure to embrace Christ. The myth of Bhasmasur also provides a parallel to Jude's story, suggesting that both characters are ultimately destroyed by their own misuse of power.

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