Published in 1895, Jude the Obscure is a tragic novel that comments on the Victorian societal issues, marriage and class barriers. The author of the novel is Thomas Hardy, a celebrated figure in English literature. Hardy was always known for writing emotional stories and exploring human nature.
The story follows around Jude Fawley, who is a working-class man with aspirations to attend university. Even though he desires to rise above his humble beginnings, he experiences his path being filled with obstacles one after the other. His relationship with his wife also becomes problematic for him.
Jude the Obscure is regarded as one of the finest works of Hardy, as it does serious commentary on the societal norms and class-based barriers. The novel is often kept in the syllabus of English literature students, as it aptly talks about the Victorian period and problems of its time.
Through Jude the Obscure, Thomas Hardy touches various themes, including ambition, love, poverty, and the limits imposed by society. For those who wish to read a classic literature book, Jude the Obscure is a must-read, for it makes readers reflect on their aspirations and the societal pressure that comes upon people.