thinking activity :

This blog is written as part of thinking activity assigned by DR DILIP BARAD SIR on thinking activity   :  

1) What is the significance of epigraph written by Hardy - 'Letter Killeth' - for this novel, Jude the Obscure

The epigraph "Letter Killeth" in Thomas Hardy's novel "Jude the Obscure" is a warning about the potential harm that rigid beliefs, rules, and societal expectations can cause. In simpler terms, it means that blindly following established norms and traditions can lead to destruction.

In the context of the novel, this epigraph is a hint that the characters in the story will face difficulties and suffering because they try to break free from the strict rules and conventions of their society. It emphasizes that sticking too closely to these rules can have negative consequences.

So, the epigraph "Letter Killeth" is like a signpost that tells readers to pay attention to how the characters in the novel challenge societal norms and traditions, often with tragic results. It underlines the theme of how strict adherence to societal expectations can be destructive.



2) 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 epigraph from 'Esdras' at the beginning of the first chapter of a novel can be connected to the myth of Bhasmasur.

The epigraph in a book often sets the tone or hints at a key theme. In the case of 'Esdras,' it typically refers to a book in the Old Testament that deals with religious themes, which may suggest that the novel could explore religious or moral ideas.

The myth of Bhasmasur, on the other hand, is a Hindu myth where a character gains the power to turn anyone into ashes by touching their head. This myth conveys a powerful message about the consequences of unchecked power and desires.

In a novel, the epigraph from 'Esdras' might be connected to the Bhasmasur myth in the sense that it could signal themes of power, consequences, or moral dilemmas. The novel may explore how power or desires can lead to destructive outcomes, similar to the myth of Bhasmasur where the power has a harmful effect.

So, while the epigraph and the Bhasmasur myth come from different religious and cultural backgrounds, they could be related in the way they both explore the impact of power and desires on individuals, which might be a theme in the novel.

3) Any one of the following along with the above given two points to ponder.
(i) Structure of the Novel 'Jude the Obscure'
(ii)Research Article - Symbolic Indictment of Christianity - Norman Holland Jr. | Uni. of California
(iii) Research Article - Bildungsroman & Jude the Obscure - Frank R. Giordano Jr. | John Hopkins Uni


Let's consider point (ii) and point (iii) in connection with the earlier discussion about the epigraph in "Jude the Obscure."

(ii) "Symbolic Indictment of Christianity" by Norman Holland Jr.: Norman Holland's research article likely explores how Thomas Hardy's novel "Jude the Obscure" may symbolically criticize or challenge elements of Christianity. Given that the epigraph in the novel alludes to religious themes, it's possible that this research discusses how Hardy uses the story and characters to critique or symbolically indict certain aspects of Christian beliefs or practices. This could be related to the epigraph's warning against rigid beliefs and rules.

(iii) "Bildungsroman & Jude the Obscure" by Frank R. Giordano Jr.: A "Bildungsroman" is a novel that focuses on the moral and psychological growth of the main character. In connection with the epigraph, Frank R. Giordano Jr.'s research article might delve into how the epigraph's message ties into the coming-of-age or personal development of the characters in the novel. It could discuss how the characters in "Jude the Obscure" are influenced by or react to the societal norms and religious constraints mentioned in the epigraph, and how this affects their personal growth.

So, by connecting these two research articles with the epigraph, you can explore how the novel critiques Christianity and how it relates to the characters' personal development in the context of societal norms and religious constraints.

let's delve into the research article "Symbolic Indictment of Christianity" by Norman Holland Jr. from the University of California.

This research article likely explores how the novel "Jude the Obscure" by Thomas Hardy might criticize or symbolically condemn certain aspects of Christianity. In simple terms, it means the article looks at how the book could be suggesting that some Christian beliefs or practices are being portrayed in a negative way.

In the novel, there are elements that might be seen as challenging traditional Christian values and morals. This research article aims to understand and discuss those elements. It could examine how the characters, events, or themes in the novel might be questioning or critiquing Christian ideas or institutions.

So, this article adds to our discussion by considering the novel's potential criticism of Christianity and how that might be a significant theme or element in "Jude the Obscure."