A Philosophical Interpretation Of The Cosmic Irony Presented In Jude The Obscure

Thomas Hardy(1840-1928)occupies an important position in the history of world literature,especially in the development of English novel creation.And his last novel Jude the Obscure has a profound philosophy of life and even becomes the pinnacle of his novel creation.Therefore,the research of it has been in full swing since its publication.And domestic and foreign critics often study characters,plots and themes in Jude the Obscure from different perspectives.Differing from these studies,this thesis will analyze its artistic feature,namely,its ironic vision,through the employment of John Mill's philosophy,so as to trace the social roots of the characters' tragedy and further demonstrate its powerful ideological value.This thesis consists of five chapters.Chapter One is an introduction to Thomas Hardy and Jude the Obscure,relevant studies abroad and at home as well as significance and framework of the thesis.Chapter Two aims to explore the realistic factor,namely,the rigid marriage system,which causes the characters' marriage tragedies through the application of Mill's philosophy on marriage,so as to illustrate Hardy's aversion to profit-based marriage and support of love-based marriage.Chapter Three,on the basis of Mill's philosophy on religion,probes the hypocrisy of Victorian religious morality which leads to the characters' religious conversion,and further displays the viciousness of religion against people and Hardy's expectation of liberty of thought.Chapter Four focuses on discussing Jude and Sue's educational status.Through the understanding of Mill's philosophy on education,it shows the injustice of Victorian educational system and Hardy's encouragement of the equality of education.Chapter Five briefly summarizes the thesis.Through the philosophical analysis of the roots of the tragedy,Hardy ironically criticizes the backward human institutions on one hand;and on the other hand,the essence of Mill's works is a great inspiration for Hardy.As a meliorist,he firmly maintains a positive attitude towards the enlightened and progressive world.