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Jude the Obscure Study Day

Jude the Obscure is a novel by Thomas Hardy, which began as a magazine serial in December 1894 and was first published in book form in 1895 (though the title page says 1896). It is Hardy's last completed novel. The protagonist, Jude Fawley, is a working-class young man; he is a stonemason who dreams of becoming a scholar. The other main character is his cousin, Sue Bridehead, who is his central love interest. The novel is concerned in particular with issues of class, education, religion, morality and marriage.

Sponsor: Grassby Funeral Service

Speakers include :

Dr Tony Fincham
Alban O’Brien
Ann Bliss
Mark Damon Chutter

Date: Saturday 5 April 2025

11-5 pm Casterbridge Room at the King’s Arms.

6-7 pm Special Presentation of Thomas Hardy Poetry Videos

The cost of the day is £50 (including buffet lunch) or £35 (without buffet lunch)

Itinerary:

11:00 Registration and Coffee Welcome

11:15 Introduction to Study Day

11:30 Jude The Obscure: A Hardy Biography? Alban O'Brien

12:30 Lunch

13:30 Matriarchy ... Good God, what will Shaston say! Ann Bliss

14:00 The Landscape of Jude: Infidelity on the Great Western Dr Tony Fincham

15:00 Afternoon Tea with cake

15:30 Jude the Obscene: Hardy Women and Sexuality Mark Damon Chutter

16:30 Plenary Discussion

17:00 Close

18:00 Special Preview: Giles Keating, Athelhampton House, will present the new Thomas Hardy Poetry Videos

10 Lovers, 50 Poems: Hardy's love poems span from his teenage years to his dotage, the Nicholls sisters, Mrs Scott-Siddons, Gertrude Bugler. With actors and readers from the New Hardy Players, Dorchester Youth Theatre and others, fifty poems have been filmed at Athelhampton House, which played many roles in Hardy's life. The videos will be released every fortnight on YouTube, starting on 9th May. In this short presentation, the producer, Giles Keating, will give a preview and explain the project.

*Attendees are welcome to stay on for a group dinner in the Restaurant at The King's Arms at 7.15pm (payable separately)