At odds
I find I am at odds with members of a group I belong to. It concerns the novel Jude The Obscure. While I found it extraordinary (5 stars), beautifully written and with amazing insight into human interaction and character, I find I am alone in believing that Jude should not be considered a helpless victim--of society, of fate, of life.
Yes, he is taken advantage of by Arabella, and driven crazy by Sue. But, as heartless as it may seem, Jude CHOSE to have sex with Arabella. I don't think we do anyone any favors by infantilizing them and absolving them of responsibility for the choices s/he makes.
It reminds me of the discussion I had with another group about Romeo and Juliet. One person, no matter what evidence was presented, refused to believe that in early Renaissance times that girls were considered marriageable at as young as 13.
It seems to come down to the determination of Socrates and Aristotle: "Reality Exists". It may not conform to what we would LIKE to be true; all too often it is at odds with what we'd like to be true. But it is true, nonetheless, unfortunately.
Yes, he is taken advantage of by Arabella, and driven crazy by Sue. But, as heartless as it may seem, Jude CHOSE to have sex with Arabella. I don't think we do anyone any favors by infantilizing them and absolving them of responsibility for the choices s/he makes.
It reminds me of the discussion I had with another group about Romeo and Juliet. One person, no matter what evidence was presented, refused to believe that in early Renaissance times that girls were considered marriageable at as young as 13.
It seems to come down to the determination of Socrates and Aristotle: "Reality Exists". It may not conform to what we would LIKE to be true; all too often it is at odds with what we'd like to be true. But it is true, nonetheless, unfortunately.
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