Jude the Obscure character analysis
... uses this same technique throughout the novel whenever rough times occur. He also is alienated from society because he allow Sue’s emotions regarding marriage to prevent the licensure. Jude does not stand up and declare his belief they should be wed. He allows Sue’s timidity regarding the commitment and is therefore ostracized by the community. Jude is detached mentally as well as physically. All through his life he makes no significant connection with anyone. Despite his efforts, no woman, not even his wife, returns his affection as whole-heartedly as he offers his. This opinion is noticeable enough that even a casual observer in Part Fifth, chapter 5, comments, “I am inclined to think that she don’t care for him quite so much as he does for her.” Another reason Jude allows circumstances to govern his life is that he is unassuming. Jude works throughout life as an unassuming stonecutter struggling to live comfortably; however, the very nature of his occupation requires he yield to circumstances because of its relative demand. This ensures his lack of success simply because of the dwindling popularity for gothic stonework. His profession, in itself, is unassuming. He does not follow through with an occupation which makes a difference. He instead opts for the lowly vocation of stonecutter. Jude left no legacy because he follows the easiest path circumstance permits, which is the apprenticeship of gothic stonework repair. It is evident it is a dwindling art, but Jude persists in spite of its obvious drawbacks. Jude is unassuming in yet another matter. His life, as a whole, is modest and amounts to nothing because he decides to let his dreams die. He impetuously follows the path of least resistance to whatever catches his attention. After he leaves Arabella, he decides to pursue academics once more, but he soon loses focus as Sue becomes his new love interest. A final reason Jude allows circumstances to govern his life is that he is unrealistic. Jude is not well-equipped to become a success. Though he is intelligent he does not have the financial means to attend a college. This obstacle is too impossible to overcome at this point in histo...