Passion Versus Moral Duty Illustrated in Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure

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Conflict between a character’s intense passions and their moral duties is commonly expressed in literature. Thomas Hardy’s Jude the Obscure undoubtedly uses this theme throughout the novel. Hardy creates two characters who are undeniably in love, however, they are forced to hide their great passions for one another for they both are married to someone else. These intimate feelings drive to two lovers, Jude and Sue, to neglect their commitments to their spouses and aspirations as they attempt to establish a life together. The intimacy between the couple would slowly devour their personal lives. Jude, the man in the relationship, had exceptionally high hopes for himself as a young boy. He desired nothing else but to go to school, to gain knowledge, and become an important figure within the church. At first, Jude’s determination seems unwavering as he faces rejection after rejection from numerous schools. However, after he meets his dear Sue, Jude begins accept the idea of keeping his occupation of a stonemason and giving up the idea of attending any university. As Jude and S...

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