Jude the Obscure Society and Class Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

'You see, there's the question of neighbours and society' (4.4.33)

A classic Victorian sentiment: you can't behave the way you want to, because the neighbors and the people at large might see, and they might comment on it. This is the type of stuff that Oscar Wilde made fun of for a living.

Quote #8

'I, at any rate, am well known.' (4.5.7)

Jude drops this on Sue to justify moving to another town when Sue bails on Phillotson and comes to him. You can't be in a spot where people know you when scandal comes your way, or they will make your lives miserable. That's good advice in case you ever time travel back to Victorian England and find yourself in a bit of a jam.

Quote #9

'You are as enslaved to the social code as any woman I know!' (4.5.63)

This is a bold statement by Jude, and there is some truth to it. For all of Sue's independent drive and contrary take on institutions like marriage and religion, she is not completely free from her time. There are instances throughout the book where she is highly concerned with what others might think.