Curated set · answers marked
In Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure, what is Jude Fawley's main ambition at the start of the novel?
Rationale
Since childhood, Jude has dreamed of going to Christminster (Hardy's fictional version of Oxford) to become a scholar. This dream drives the main conflict of the novel, as class barriers and personal relationships continually hinder his academic and social goals.
What is the name of Jude Fawley's cousin, with whom he falls in love and shares a complex relationship throughout the novel?
Rationale
Sue Bridehead is Jude's cousin and the woman he loves profoundly. Their relationship pushes against Victorian social and religious norms, forming the emotional and thematic heart of the novel.
Who is the cousin of Jude Fawley, with whom he develops a deep love and who shares his intellectual and spiritual challenges throughout the novel?
Rationale
Sue Bridehead is Jude's cousin and the novel's main female character. Their unconventional relationship—characterized by intellectual connection, emotional depth, and a challenge to societal and religious expectations—lies at the core of Hardy's critique of Victorian marriage and society.