Jude the obscure

 Jude the Obscure

Hello everyone this blog is based on victorian novel by thomas hardy thinking activity task assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad for further reading Click Here

 #Is it possible to connect the meaning of the epigraph of 'Esdras' at the beginning of the first chapter of the novel and the myth of Bhasmasur?

The Esdras Epigraph in Jude the Obscure

At the beginning of Jude the Obscure, Thomas Hardy includes an epigraph from Esdras, a book from the Apocrypha, that reads:

"Yea, many there be that have run out of their wits for women, and become servants for their sakes. Many also have perished, have erred, and sinned, for women. O ye men, how can it be but women should be strong, seeing they do thus?"

This epigraph suggests that men are often driven to irrationality, suffering, and even ruin because of their love or desire for women. It implies that women hold a certain power over men, who become metaphorical "servants" or slaves to their own passions. In Jude the Obscure, this theme manifests in the way Jude, the protagonist, is drawn into turbulent relationships with women—particularly with Sue Bridehead, whose allure and free-spirited nature captivate him but also lead him into conflict with society’s values and his own aspirations.

Hardy’s choice of this epigraph indicates that Jude’s journey will be one marked by internal conflict, emotional suffering, and possibly self-destruction—all stemming from his intense desires and his inability to reconcile his love life with society’s expectations. The epigraph thus serves as both a foreshadowing and a critique of the destructive power of romantic obsession and the way men are willing to sacrifice themselves, almost blindly, in pursuit of love or passion.

The Myth of Bhasmasura

In Hindu mythology, Bhasmasura was an ambitious demon who performed severe penances to obtain a boon from the god Shiva. Impressed by his devotion, Shiva granted Bhasmasura the power to turn anyone he touched on the head into ashes. However, Bhasmasura, drunk with his new power, became arrogant and wanted to test it on Shiva himself. Realizing the danger, Shiva fled, and eventually, Vishnu came to the rescue. Vishnu took the form of Mohini, a beautiful enchantress, to distract Bhasmasura. Mohini mesmerized him with her beauty, and through a series of dances, she tricked him into placing his own hand on his head, thereby causing his own destruction.

This myth emphasizes themes of arrogance, unchecked desire, and the self-destructive nature of obsession. Bhasmasura’s downfall is brought about by his inability to control his desires—first for power and then for Mohini’s beauty. His obsession blinds him to reason, leading him to make a fatal mistake that costs him his life.

 The Connection Between Esdras and Bhasmasura in Jude the Obscure

Both the Esdras epigraph and the Bhasmasura myth highlight the concept of self-destruction through desire and obsession. In Esdras, men "run out of their wits" and "perish" for the sake of women. This mirrors Bhasmasura’s loss of rationality when he becomes infatuated with Mohini and ultimately destroys himself because of his inability to control his desire.

In Jude the Obscure, Jude is similarly "bewitched" by Sue Bridehead, who becomes an almost fatal attraction in his life. Though he is initially driven by lofty aspirations—dreams of becoming an educated scholar and improving his station in life—his encounter with Sue disrupts this path. She embodies an ideal of intellectual freedom and nonconformity that appeals to Jude, but their relationship ultimately leads him into deep moral and social conflict.

The connection to the myth of Bhasmasura becomes evident as Jude's life gradually unravels due to his pursuit of Sue. Just as Bhasmasura’s desire for Mohini ultimately leads him to place his own hand on his head, Jude's desire for Sue makes him challenge societal norms, abandon his ambitions, and alienate himself from his community. His obsession blinds him to the consequences, drawing him into a cycle of suffering and sacrifice that brings about his ruin. In this sense, Sue acts as both a liberating and a destructive force in Jude’s life—much like Mohini, whose allure simultaneously empowers and destroys Bhasmasura.

Symbolic Parallels and Themes

1. Uncontrolled Desire and Self-Destruction:

   Both the 'Esdras' epigraph and the Bhasmasura myth warn of the dangers of unchecked desire. In the case of Jude, his passion for Sue disrupts his plans and compromises his well-being, just as Bhasmasura's desire leads to his downfall. The message seems to be that obsession can turn self-destructive, consuming one’s original ambitions, values, and ultimately, self-worth.

2. The Power of the Feminine:

   In both the epigraph and the myth, there is a suggestion that women possess a certain power over men, one that can lead them astray or even destroy them. Sue, like Mohini, is not malicious; rather, she embodies an irresistible force of attraction and fascination. For Jude, Sue represents both an intellectual and emotional ideal, yet his attachment to her causes him immense suffering. This aligns with the 'Esdras' statement that "women should be strong," highlighting the idea that women hold a power over men that can lead them to abandon reason or "run out of their wits."

3. Tragic Irony:

   Both Bhasmasura and Jude are trapped by their own desires in tragic irony. Bhasmasura seeks power but falls victim to it. Jude seeks fulfillment and love but instead finds despair. Hardy’s use of the 'Esdras' epigraph underscores this irony, as it warns of the potential for ruin inherent in the pursuit of love and desire, a caution Jude ignores until it’s too late.

4. Critique of Societal and Moral Boundaries:

   Hardy was known for challenging Victorian moral and social norms. By invoking 'Esdras' and the warning of how men "have perished" for women, Hardy hints at the restrictive social expectations surrounding relationships and gender roles. Jude and Sue’s relationship defies conventional marriage and religion, leading to condemnation and suffering. This mirrors how Bhasmasura, in his ambition to defy limits, falls victim to his own power. Hardy suggests that society’s rigid expectations can contribute to personal tragedy, as Jude’s relationship with Sue remains unaccepted by society, intensifying their misery and isolation.

Conclusion

By invoking both Esdras and parallels to the myth of Bhasmasura, Hardy weaves a rich tapestry of themes around desire, obsession, and self-destruction in Jude the Obscure. Both allusions serve as cautionary tales about the perils of uncontrolled passion and the consequences of becoming enslaved to one’s desires, particularly when societal norms and personal aspirations conflict.

The epigraph from Esdras and the myth of Bhasmasura together suggest that while love and desire can be powerful and inspiring, they can also lead to ruin if they are allowed to dominate reason. In Jude’s case, his pursuit of love outside the bounds of social convention is both his liberation and his downfall, echoing the tragic fates of those driven to destruction by their own passions. Through this parallel, Hardy critiques the societal and psychological traps that arise when desire goes unchecked, warning of the self-destructive potential that lies within each person’s own desires and ambitions.

References :

Barad, Dilip. “Dilip Barad | Teacher Blog: Jude the Obscure.” Dilip Barad's Blog, 27 January 2021, https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2021/01/jude-obscure.html . Accessed 8 November 2024.

Millgate, Michael. “Jude the Obscure | Thomas Hardy, Victorian England, Tragedy.” Britannica, 23 September 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Jude-the-Obscure . Accessed 8 November 2024.