Done
Because We Are Too Menny - Analysis

The extract
is taken by the sixth part of the chapter 2 of the novel Jude the Obscure,
by Thomas Hardy. The novel perfectly renders the anti- Victorian reaction.
Indeed, the novelist's aim is to attack Victorian beliefs and standards related
in particular to sex and marriage.

The
narrator is a third person omniscient and external one. According to the fact
that he is using the showing technique, he allows the reader to see exactly
what is coming on, without filtering the situation he is building up.

In
particular, in the first sequence the narrator reaches the effect of drama.. He
presents, with minute attention to the details, a tragic situation: believing
to be the reason of their family problems little Jude had killed his
half-siblings before committed suicide.

The second
sequence describes what Jude did in front of the scene. There s a subtle
comment of the narrator of which the reader might not be aware ( e.g Strange
and consummate, line 16).

The use of
the grotesque, allows the reader to obtain a grisly effect.

Up to now,
the scene was described by the narrator who appeals to the reader's senses. In
the third sequence the situation is presented by Sue's point of view. She was
utterly chocked ; moreover, nobody told him the truth immediately. As soon as
she could speak she confessed Jude her sense of guilt: she strongly believed
that what happened is a consequence of a speech little Jude heard the day
before.

The
following sequence expresses Jude's rational opinion and let the reader
understand that he is the prototype of the Modern Man : he had adopted the
scientific perspective studying Darwin and his theory, which comes up when he
says " e.g. he was in his nature to do it [...] to have staying
power to resist them" , supporting his assurances with the doctor's words.

The last
sequence is wholly dedicated to the dead children; when Sue was able to look at
them she understands that everything happened because of her not standard
relationship. In addition the children faces became the symbol of an obscure
and inauspiciousness future.

The
atmosphere is gusty and the reader is absolutely incredible: how could children
of that age do an act like that??

When Sue
confesses Jude his sense of guilt he refuses to accept that Sue was guilty. In
order to justify his argumentation, his point of view he finds support in
referring to the doctor, who represents the scientific perspective of life.

Thomas
Hardy uses a character who totally accepts a scientific point of view. The
reader can make sense on what has happen either accepting the doctor's
perspective which he can come across to Jude's words. In fact Jude builds up
his argumentation reporting the doctor's point of view that he considers an
advanced one.

In a way or
another also Jude is perfectly aware that according to the Victoprian rules
what he has done was wrong.

The story
is tragic as the atmosphere created by the unobtrusive narrator who describes
the scenes in details.