![]() Although the narrator seems to admire Jude's willingness to teach himself, he also points out the limits of autodidacticism, noting that despite Jude's near-constant studies, he cannot hope to compete on the university entrance exam against richer men who have hired tutors. In the novel, the level of traditional education one reaches is closely tied to the class system, and if someone from Jude's class wants to learn, they must teach themselves. Because Jude is inexperienced with women and with social situations more generally, he is especially susceptible to Arabella's seduction. However, Hardy also emphasizes the importance of experiential education. Most obviously, we have Jude's desire to get a university degree and become an academic. Hardy highlights many kinds of education in Jude the Obscure. ![]() The narrator does not seem to favor either side it is left up to readers to decide how the problems with marriage might be solved. ![]() Sue, however, feels that marriage will poison the relationship. Jude and Sue are clearly a good match for each other, so Jude wants to get married. Whether the institution of marriage can be saved is open to interpretation. ![]() ![]() Hardy repeatedly emphasizes that marriage involves making a commitment that many people are emotionally unequipped to fulfill - this sentiment comes from the narrator, but it is also expressed by Sue, Jude, Phillotson, and Widow Edlin at various points in the novel. It could be argued that the rejection of marriage is the central didactic point of this novel. ![]()
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