In Jude the Obscure, Thomas Hardy delineates individuals that get caught in a rigid society. However, he also singles out a few exceptional individuals. Among them the protagonist Jude seeks self-assertion in a repressive environment. In a time when materialism prevails, the value of personal performance is degraded. Yet, through challenging mainstream ideology, Jude sets over traditional confinements and transforms his self-identity. This thesis examines the Victorians' subjugation to authorities, Jude's rebellion against rigid social ideology, and his ability to take independent action despite the limits imposed by his society. In addition, Jude's fighting spirit is expounded to strengthen my argument that only by making the most of his will and capacity can Jude get personal growth under social oppression.
This thesis is divided into five chapters. Chapter one introduces relevant key points in the early research on social rigidities of the Victorian age in Hardy's novels. Apart from these points, a further discussion of the concept of an independent individual is investigated. Chapter two, “Jude's Self,” concentrates on the transformation of Jude's self and then investigates the close tie between the individual and society in an attempt to highlight the importance of Jude’s independent self. Jude's self is analyzed within the context of people's mechanical existence in Victorian society so as to demonstrate his difficulties in life. Despite being caught in the conflicts between flesh and mind, Jude still displays great fighting spirit. Chapter three, “Choices and Self-assertion,” studies Jude's choices in facing difficulties by examining four main aspects: education, religion, marriage, and sexuality. The conflicts demonstrate how his spiritual pursuits are contradictory to common social values and how he gets dislocated in the Victorian society. Generally speaking, moral norms make the Victorians act in a mechanic way; however, Jude's attitudes toward education, religion, marriage, and sexuality clarify his concept of ideal life. Chapter four, “Jude's Dignity,” explores the dignity that Jude shows in confronting the oppression of Victorian society. Unlike those endlessly pursuing external goals, such as wealth, reputation, and status, Jude finds meaning in life by his strong will and character. He challenges social confinements and shows his dignity in the end. The final chapter summarizes the relationship between the individual and society. In a stifling society, good behavior and attitudes are important because they enable individuals to be genuine men. In brief, by studying Jude as a positive figure, this thesis tries to suggest a possible way of personal growth under social oppression.