Jude the Obscure

Jude and Sue, accompanied by their children and Little Father Time (now re-christened “Jude”) arrive at Christminster on Remembrance Day, which marks the end of the academic year. As they witness the festive procession, Jude’s past failures haunt him, exacerbated by encounters with old acquaintances who ask about his scholarly pursuits. He delivers a candid speech, reflecting on his aspirations, distractions, and societal limitations. Sue notices Phillotson in the crowd. Lodging proves challenging, exacerbated by Sue’s revelation of their unmarried status. Little Father Time’s unchildlike despair adds to Sue’s woes; he laments the fact that he and his half-siblings were ever born. Sue and the children struggle to secure new accommodations, delaying sharing their predicament with Jude until the next day.

Sue and Jude try to soothe Little Father Time’s distress over their family’s situation. Little Father Time argues that, without the children, Jude and Sue would not struggle to find housing. The following morning, Sue leaves briefly only to return with Jude and discovers a horrifying scene: Little Father Time has hanged Jude and Sue’s children, then himself, leaving a note that reads, “Done because we are too menny” (273).