Jude the Obscure

Naturalism, a literary movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, explored the deterministic forces shaping human lives. Rooted in scientific principles and influenced by the works of Charles Darwin and other natural scientists, Naturalistic literature sought to depict life as it is, often focusing on individuals’ struggles against their environment and circumstances beyond their control. The American novelist Theodore Dreiser and the French novelist Émile Zola are also considered Naturalist writers.

Jude the Obscure exemplifies Naturalist themes, portraying Jude Fawley as trapped by his external circumstances. From the outset, Jude’s fate appears predetermined. Born into poverty in a rural village, his dreams of attending Christminster, a prestigious university, are seemingly out of reach. This limited horizon reflects the Naturalistic principle that individuals are shaped by their environment and heredity rather than possessing free will. Jude’s intelligence and ambition are no match for the barriers that repeatedly thwart his aspirations. His struggles to overcome these obstacles reinforce the deterministic nature of his existence.

Naturalism, moreover, frequently dramatizes the struggle for survival in a hostile environment. Jude embodies this struggle, constantly battling against overwhelming odds. His ill-fated marriage to Arabella, his doomed love for Sue Bridehead, and even his inability to retain work after living with Sue illustrate the harsh realities of life in a world governed by external forces. Jude’s plight thus epitomizes the struggle against the dual pressures of nature and society, a recurring theme in Naturalist literature.

Additionally, Hardy interweaves elements of social Darwinism, underscoring Victorian society’s competitive and merciless nature. Hardy portrays characters as products of their environment, shaped by the principles of survival of the fittest and rigid moral codes dictated by their societal milieu. In this context, individuals like the opportunistic Arabella thrive, while the idealistic Jude meets a tragic end. Personal merit takes a backseat to the imperative of survival and the acceptance of others. Ultimately, Jude’s individuality and aspirations are crushed by the oppressive forces of tradition and conformity, laying bare the harsh realities and injustices inherent in the prevailing social order.