Two completely different women, Susanna Bridehead and Arabella Donn, share the same man in Thomas Hardy´s Jude the Obscure.
Jude´s cousin Sue is a “pretty, liquid-eyed, light-footed young woman” . Her mind, her education, her unconventional beliefs and especially her insistence on these beliefs impress Jude. His affection to Arabella Donn is quite different.
She whom he addressed was a fine dark-eyed girl, not exactly handsome, but capable of passing as such at a little distance, despite some coarseness of skin and fibre. She had a round and prominent bosom, full lips, perfect teeth, and the rich complexion of a Cochin hen's egg. She was a complete and substantial female animal -- no more, no less.
Of course, Sue and Arabella are not just contrasting in their appearance but they have oppositional ideas, beliefs and attitudes towards life. Therefore, they lead their lives under different circumstances and get different social recognition. By this example, Hardy criticizes the rigidity of certain conventions in the Victorian Age.
In the following I will analyse various aspects which demonstrate the differences between the two characters, namely the two women’s relation to Jude and their attitude towards sexuality, marriage, motherhood, religion and education.
Table of Contents
- I. Abstract
- II. Main Part
- 1. Relation to Jude
- 2. Sexuality
Objectives and Key Themes
This analysis aims to explore the contrasting portrayals of Susanna Bridehead (Sue) and Arabella Donn in Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure, highlighting how their differing relationships with Jude and their attitudes towards sexuality, marriage, and societal expectations reveal Hardy's critique of Victorian conventions. The analysis focuses on the significant differences between the two female characters and their impact on the narrative.
- Contrasting portrayals of femininity in Victorian society
- The conflict between reason and passion in romantic relationships
- The restrictive nature of Victorian societal norms and expectations
- The complexities of marriage and motherhood in the Victorian era
- The role of sexuality in shaping relationships and social standing
Chapter Summaries
I. Abstract: This abstract introduces the central characters, Sue Bridehead and Arabella Donn, and their contrasting relationships with Jude Fawley. It highlights their differing appearances, beliefs, and attitudes towards life, which lead to contrasting social experiences. The abstract establishes the main focus of the analysis: exploring the differences between Sue and Arabella concerning their relationships with Jude, their views on sexuality, marriage, motherhood, religion, and education, and using these differences to illustrate Hardy's criticism of Victorian societal rigidities.
II. Main Part: 1. Relation to Jude: This section deeply examines Jude's relationships with both Sue and Arabella. Jude's attraction to Sue stems from her intellectual compatibility and shared interest in education and literature; however, their relationship is complicated by Sue's intellectual and emotional restraint and their fear of repeating the tragic marital patterns within Jude's family. In contrast, Jude's relationship with Arabella is primarily driven by physical attraction and lacks the intellectual and emotional depth of his connection with Sue. Arabella's self-assured sexuality and her manipulative actions contrast sharply with Sue's reserved nature. The chapter analyzes the contrasting dynamics of these relationships, highlighting Jude's internal conflict between his intellectual desires and his physical needs, and showing how this conflict contributes to the overall narrative.
II. Main Part: 2. Sexuality: This section delves into the contrasting portrayals of sexuality in Sue and Arabella. Sue's reluctance towards physical intimacy with Jude stems from her desire to maintain her independence and avoid being reduced to a sexual object. This contrasts with Arabella's unapologetic and assertive sexuality, which she uses to manipulate Jude and control their relationship. Hardy’s portrayal of these contrasting approaches to sexuality serves to highlight the limitations imposed on women in Victorian society and the different strategies women employed to navigate those limitations. The chapter analyzes the interplay between reason and passion, and how the characters attempt to reconcile their desires with societal expectations. The discussion also considers the consequences of their choices and the wider implications for the narrative.
Keywords
Thomas Hardy, Jude the Obscure, Sue Bridehead, Arabella Donn, Victorian society, sexuality, marriage, motherhood, education, reason, passion, social conventions, contrasting portrayals of femininity.
Thomas Hardy's *Jude the Obscure*: A Comparative Analysis of Sue Bridehead and Arabella Donn - FAQ
What is the main focus of this analysis of Thomas Hardy's *Jude the Obscure*?
This analysis contrasts the portrayals of Susanna Bridehead (Sue) and Arabella Donn, exploring how their relationships with Jude and their attitudes towards sexuality, marriage, and societal expectations reflect Hardy's critique of Victorian conventions. The key is understanding the significant differences between the two female characters and their impact on the narrative.
What are the key themes explored in this analysis?
The analysis delves into several key themes, including contrasting portrayals of femininity in Victorian society; the conflict between reason and passion in romantic relationships; the restrictive nature of Victorian societal norms and expectations; the complexities of marriage and motherhood in the Victorian era; and the role of sexuality in shaping relationships and social standing.
How are Sue Bridehead and Arabella Donn portrayed differently in the novel?
Sue is portrayed as intellectually inclined, reserved, and hesitant regarding physical intimacy, driven by a desire for independence. Arabella, in contrast, is depicted as assertive, self-assured in her sexuality, and manipulative in her relationships. These contrasting portrayals highlight the limitations imposed on women in Victorian society and the different strategies employed to navigate them.
What is the nature of Jude's relationships with Sue and Arabella?
Jude's relationship with Sue is characterized by intellectual compatibility and shared interests, yet complicated by emotional restraint and a fear of repeating familial tragedies. His relationship with Arabella is primarily driven by physical attraction, lacking the intellectual and emotional depth of his connection with Sue. This highlights Jude's internal conflict between intellectual desires and physical needs.
How does the analysis discuss sexuality in relation to Sue and Arabella?
The analysis examines Sue's reluctance towards intimacy as a reflection of her desire for independence, contrasting it with Arabella's unapologetic and assertive sexuality used for manipulation. This contrast illustrates the limitations placed on women and their differing strategies for navigating those constraints within the Victorian societal context.
What are the chapter summaries provided in this preview?
The preview includes summaries of an abstract introducing Sue and Arabella and their contrasting relationships with Jude; a chapter on their relationships with Jude, highlighting the contrasting dynamics and Jude's internal conflicts; and a chapter focusing on their contrasting portrayals of sexuality, exploring the interplay of reason, passion, and societal expectations.
What are the keywords associated with this analysis?
Keywords include: Thomas Hardy, Jude the Obscure, Sue Bridehead, Arabella Donn, Victorian society, sexuality, marriage, motherhood, education, reason, passion, social conventions, and contrasting portrayals of femininity.
What is the overall objective of this analysis?
The analysis aims to explore the contrasting portrayals of Sue and Arabella to understand how their differences illuminate Hardy's criticism of Victorian societal rigidities and the constraints placed upon women.
- Quote paper
- Nermin Bastug (Author), 2009, Contrasting Sue and Arabella in Thomas Hardy´s "Jude the Obscure", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/195177
