Sunday, March 28, 2004

Parts III and IV provided me with one conclusion: Women are NUTS! Being one myself, I can get away with such a bold and controversial declaration. Really though, in the world of Hardy's novel women are portrayed in a rather unfavorable light ... however truthful it may be. I need not reference Arabella's behavior thus far, as I'm sure we all agree she is absolutely disdainful. And although some of the class may think of Jude as somewhat dubious, sentimental, or even feeble, he nonetheless earns my sympathy as the only character in the novel to whom I can relate. Sue however, is an enigma (to put it mildly) as noted several times by Jude and by Phillotson. She is, simply, a walking contradiction. Despite her efforts to declare her liberal unconventionality, Sue's actions belie her assertions. Jude even recognizes this. As a "product of civilization," Jude claims that there is "nothing unconventional at all about" her (139). She has, after all, become engaged to one who seems the epitome of conventional, and plans on playing the part of wife and assisting him with the school. However she soon chooses another finds herself questioning the decision after she has done the deed. She acts on a whim so satisfy her needs at the present, without considering the consequences. Hmm ... this does seem like conventional female behavior ... In terms of emotions, Sue is all over the map. With Jude, she runs hot and cold. With Phillotson, she enters into a passionless marriage. I think Phillotson says it best when he states: "He exact feeling for him is a riddle to me -- and to him too, I think -- possibly to herself. She is one of the oddest creatures I ever met" (229). She seems to use both men, not only for her own purposes, but for mere entertainment value in watching them vie for her affections. However, since we do not receive an account of her life with Phillotson before their separation, this is simply conjecture based on her behavior toward Jude. In Jude's company, she speaks freely and naturally, but always ends on an invective note. He finally confronts her when he exclaims "you are never so nice in your real presence as you are in your letters!" Perhaps she is unable partake in an actual loving relationship with a cognizant being. This seems consistent with her attempts to strain herself from Jude. But once she finally does face reality and is truthful with both Jude and Phillotson, she still plays the game, relying on "a woman's natural timidity when the crisis comes" (239) to rescue her, once again from reality. Free from Phillotson to love Jude, she begins talk of returning to her husband! She even uses Jude's marriage as ammunition against Jude. Poor Jude, I feel his pain.

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