Jude the Obscure: Week 5: Part Fifth - At Albrickham and Elsewhere

[Kerstin, Moderator]

I keep falling behind more and more... Here are the first four chapters, the others soon to follow :-)

Things are getting a bit more complicated!
Both Jude and Sue are now legally divorced. Arabella shows up wishing to speak with Jude on a matter of importance, but Sue turns jealous. Up to this point Sue and Jude hadn’t consummated their relationship on account of Sue’s refusal. Now, with competition threatening, Sue yields.

The next morning Sue is plagued with remorse for leaving Arabella out alone at night and she calls upon her at the inn she is staying to make sure she is OK. The two women size each other up, and Arabella advises Sue to marry Jude post haste otherwise much trouble would ensue in future.

A last minute letter arrives from Arabella informing Jude that he has a son and is arriving soon from Australia. The very next day the boy is at the door.

[Peggy]

I’m so glad this is almost over. This has got to be one of the most depressing books I’ve ever read although it’s beautifully written.

[Renee, Moderator]

Yeah. This is a tough one. (view spoiler)[ But it’s not going to get better. Hang on; it’s going to be a bumpy night. (hide spoiler)] It sticks with you, though.

[Kerstin, Moderator]

Peggy wrote: "I’m so glad this is almost over. This has got to be one of the most depressing books I’ve ever read although it’s beautifully written."

Yes it is beautifully written. There is real tension between the beauty of the language and the action.

[Kerstin, Moderator]

What do you all think of Sue? My opinion of her isn't very high. When she squiggles out of marrying Jude, even though they are now free to do so, I thought that she is really not fit for any mature relationship, married or otherwise. -- Now I am coming from the perspective of being married for 35 years myself -- but from the very beginning, time and time again when she is pressed to show character, to own her flaws or acknowledge shortcomings, she refuses to be judged. If I were Jude I'd dump her.

[Peggy]

Yes! Jude should have heeded his aunt’s warning. Sue is ridiculous. Jumping out the window to avoid a husband she doesn’t love. Sad that society was so hard on Jude and Sue for not marrying.

[Rosemarie]

I read this a couple of years ago and really didn't think much of Sue. She is bad news for Jude.

[Kerstin, Moderator]

Continuing with Part Fifth:

Sue and Jude finally marry, but the gossip mill makes it impossible for them to stay. Jude's business is dropping off and the ever-present rumors surrounding the inexplicable appearance of the boy leave them no choice. They are forced to sell their inherited furniture and leave. They move from job to job for a couple of years.

Jude fell ill after completing a job in inclement weather. He has a long recovery and he resorts to baking, a skill he acquired when he lived with his great aunt. Sue is selling the ornate ginger-cakes to help with much needed income. Jude feels the need to move back to Christminster and they decide to do so.