Another major thematic focus of the novel is the issue of fixed class boundaries, particularly with regard to access to higher education for students from the working class.
Another parallel between the book's characters/themes and Hardy's actual life experience occurs when Sue becomes obsessed with religion after previously having been indifferent and even hostile towards it. Through this extreme change in the character of Sue, Hardy shows Christianity as an extraordinarily powerful social force that is capable of causing a seemingly independent-minded woman like Sue to be self-immolating and sexually repressed.
...is very interesting to me.
I can't make it through Jude without having a full on melt down. Please try to find a copy of the Penguin (I think) edition with the Forward by Terry Eagleton. It's a great analysis and introduction.
Edited to add. I didn't see this edition for sale on Amazon, but found this: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Jude-t ... 0312446611 If you decide to order this, I'd make sure the seller is offering the one with that introduction. Everytime they do a new edition, they change intros.
From the Ernest L. Wilkinson Diaries: "ELW dreams he's spattered w/ grease. Hundreds steal his greasy pants."
Blixa wrote: I can't make it through Jude without having a full on melt down.
+1. I remember hating life, God, and the world when I finished this.
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On another note, I was in Utah a week ago and went to Ken Sanders' Bookstore (and bought a Monkey Wrench Gang t-shirt). I was so happy.
I also trekked to Trolley Square and the new Weller Book Works. I'm glad that at least they changed the name of the store, since they pissed on the soul of the old man. I thought that Book Works did to Sam Weller what the German electronic music group, Kraftwerk, did to rock and roll. I was not so happy.
I had google 'Louise Brooks' to even find out who she was, though. Broadening my education...
She's quite interesting and her own writing is fabulous.
How is Trolley Square these days? When I was home in 07 it was soulless and empty. I imagine any recent "renewl" if such has taken place, would be something that further destroyed the original feel of the place.
From the Ernest L. Wilkinson Diaries: "ELW dreams he's spattered w/ grease. Hundreds steal his greasy pants."
I had google 'Louise Brooks' to even find out who she was, though. Broadening my education...
She's quite interesting and her own writing is fabulous.
How is Trolley Square these days? When I was home in 07 it was soulless and empty. I imagine any recent "renewl" if such has taken place, would be something that further destroyed the original feel of the place.
It's pretty empty except for the giant anchor at one end:
