Jude The Obscure Summary

Raised as an orphan by his working-class aunt, Jude Fawley aspires to join the university in Christminster but his circumstances lead him to a life as a stonemason instead. His aspirations are fueled by his local schoolmaster, Richard Phillotson, who had moved to Christminster during Jude's childhood. Jude's dreams are further complicated when he is deceived into a loveless marriage with Arabella, keeping him tied to his home village. When his marriage to Arabella deteriorates and she leaves for Australia, Jude finally takes the leap and moves to Christminster, only to face disappointment when the university does not welcome his enrollment.

In Christminster, Jude encounters his cousin Sue Bridehead, and despite his best efforts, finds himself falling for her. He assists her in securing a job with Phillotson, hoping to keep her close, but is disheartened to learn of their engagement, and later, marriage. Jude is not taken aback when Sue expresses her unhappiness in her marriage and ultimately leaves Phillotson to live with him. Despite both of them being divorced, Sue is reluctant to remarry.

The situation further complicates when Arabella informs Jude about their son in Australia, whom Jude decides to bring in. Sue and Jude parent the boy and also have two children of their own. Following a bout of illness, Jude decides to move his family back to Christminster, where they struggle to find accommodation due to their unmarried status. Tragedy strikes when Jude's son, in a misguided attempt to ease their burdens, hangs his siblings and himself. Devastated, Sue, blaming herself and their unconventional relationship for the tragedy, returns to Phillotson. Jude is manipulated into cohabiting with Arabella once again, and not long after, he passes away.