Summary
Jude finds himself consumed by thoughts of his cousin Sue, despite knowing he's still legally married to Arabella. Working as a stonemason around Christminster, he spots Sue at church services and becomes increasingly obsessed with her, even though he recognizes this attraction as morally problematic given his marital status. He tries praying for strength to resist temptation but can't bring himself to actually want deliverance from these feelings. When Sue unexpectedly visits his workplace looking for him, then sends a friendly note suggesting they meet, Jude abandons all pretense of avoiding her. Their first meeting reveals Sue as vibrant, intelligent, and refreshingly unconventional—everything that draws Jude deeper into infatuation. During their walk, they visit Jude's old teacher Mr. Phillotson, now a village schoolmaster whose failure to achieve university success deflates some of Jude's own academic dreams. Learning that Sue plans to leave Christminster due to conflict with her employer, Jude impulsively arranges for her to become Phillotson's assistant teacher. He tells himself he's helping family and advancing her career, but his real motive is keeping her close to him. The chapter exposes how we deceive ourselves about our motivations, transforming selfish desires into seemingly noble actions. Jude's manipulation of the situation—however well-intentioned on the surface—sets up a dangerous triangle between himself, Sue, and Phillotson.
Coming Up in Chapter 16
Sue begins her new position as Phillotson's assistant, but the arrangement Jude orchestrated may have consequences none of them anticipated. The schoolmaster starts to see his young teacher in a new light.
Share it with friends
An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
He was a handy man at his trade, an all-round man, as artizans in country-towns are apt to be. In London the man who carves the boss or knob of leafage declines to cut the fragment of moulding which merges in that leafage, as if it were a degradation to do the second half of one whole. When there was not much Gothic moulding for Jude to run, or much window-tracery on the bankers, he would go out lettering monuments or tombstones, and take a pleasure in the change of handiwork. The next time that he saw her was when he was on a ladder executing a job of this sort inside one of the churches. There was a short morning service, and when the parson entered Jude came down from his ladder, and sat with the half-dozen people forming the congregation, till the prayer should be ended, and he could resume his tapping. He did not observe till the service was half over that one of the women was Sue, who had perforce accompanied the elderly Miss Fontover thither. Jude sat watching her pretty shoulders, her easy, curiously nonchalant risings and sittings, and her perfunctory genuflexions, and thought what a help such an Anglican would have been to him in happier circumstances. It was not so much his anxiety to get on with his work that made him go up to it immediately the worshipers began to take their leave: it was that he dared not, in this holy spot, confront the woman who was beginning to influence him in such an indescribable manner. Those three enormous reasons why he must not attempt intimate acquaintance with Sue Bridehead, now that his interest in her had shown itself to be unmistakably of a sexual kind, loomed as stubbornly as ever. But it was also obvious that man could not live by work alone; that the particular man Jude, at any rate, wanted something to love. Some men would have rushed incontinently to her, snatched the pleasure of easy friendship which she could hardly refuse, and have left the rest to chance. Not so Jude—at first. But as the days, and still more particularly the lonely evenings, dragged along, he found himself, to his moral consternation, to be thinking more of her instead of thinking less of her, and experiencing a fearful bliss in doing what was erratic, informal, and unexpected. Surrounded by her influence all day, walking past the spots she frequented, he was always thinking of her, and was obliged to own to himself that his conscience was likely to be the loser in this battle. To be sure she was almost an ideality to him still. Perhaps to know her would be to cure himself of this unexpected and unauthorized passion. A voice whispered that, though he desired to know her, he did not desire to be cured. There was not the least doubt that from his own orthodox point of view the situation was growing immoral. For...
Master this chapter. Complete your experience
Purchase the complete book to access all chapters and support classic literature
As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats
Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Noble Deception
The unconscious process of transforming selfish desires into seemingly virtuous actions to avoid confronting our true motivations.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to recognize when we dress selfish impulses in noble clothing to avoid uncomfortable self-examination.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when you feel strongly motivated to help someone or enforce a principle—pause and ask yourself what you actually want from the situation before acting.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
artisan
A skilled craftsperson who works with their hands, like a stonemason, carpenter, or metalworker. In Hardy's time, artisans had specialized skills but lower social status than professionals like doctors or lawyers.
Modern Usage:
Today we see this in skilled trades like electricians, plumbers, or tattoo artists - people with real talent who society often undervalues.
Gothic moulding
Decorative stonework carved in the Gothic architectural style, featuring intricate patterns and designs. This was Jude's specialty as a stonemason working on churches and monuments.
Modern Usage:
Like any specialized skill in construction today - from custom tile work to ornate metalwork that requires both artistry and technical knowledge.
genuflections
The act of briefly kneeling or bending the knee during religious services as a sign of respect or worship. Sue performs these mechanically, without real feeling.
Modern Usage:
Any ritual we go through the motions of without meaning - saying 'fine' when asked how we are, or posting happy family photos while fighting at home.
perfunctory
Done as a duty or routine without real interest or care. Hardy uses this to describe how Sue participates in church services - she's physically present but emotionally absent.
Modern Usage:
How we often handle mandatory meetings at work, family gatherings we don't want to attend, or any obligation we fulfill without enthusiasm.
Anglican
A member of the Church of England, the official Protestant church established by Henry VIII. Jude thinks Sue would be a good religious partner, not realizing she's just going through the motions.
Modern Usage:
Anyone who appears to share your values or lifestyle on the surface, making you think they'd be compatible - before you discover what they really believe.
rationalization
Creating logical-sounding reasons to justify what you want to do anyway. Jude tells himself he's helping Sue's career by arranging the teaching job, when really he just wants her nearby.
Modern Usage:
When we convince ourselves that texting an ex is 'just checking in' or that buying expensive shoes is 'an investment in our professional image.'
Characters in This Chapter
Jude
conflicted protagonist
He's torn between his moral principles and his growing obsession with Sue. Despite knowing he's married and that his feelings are wrong, he can't resist arranging to keep her close to him.
Modern Equivalent:
The married person who convinces themselves they're 'just friends' with their crush while engineering ways to spend time together
Sue
object of desire
She appears vibrant and unconventional, going through religious motions without belief. Her visit to Jude's workplace and friendly note signal potential interest, making her more dangerous to his peace of mind.
Modern Equivalent:
The charismatic coworker who seems different from everyone else and sends mixed signals that keep you guessing
Phillotson
former mentor
Now a village schoolmaster whose failure to achieve university success serves as a warning about Jude's own academic dreams. He unknowingly becomes part of Jude's scheme when he agrees to hire Sue.
Modern Equivalent:
The older colleague who never quite made it to where they dreamed, now settled for less but still trying to help younger people
Miss Fontover
Sue's employer
The elderly woman Sue works for, representing the conventional religious authority that Sue chafes against. Her conflict with Sue provides Jude's excuse to intervene.
Modern Equivalent:
The difficult boss whose unreasonable demands give someone the perfect reason to quit and make a change
Key Quotes & Analysis
"It was not so much his anxiety to get on with his work that made him go up to it immediately the worshipers began to take their leave: it was that he dared not, in this holy place, speak to the woman who had increasingly occupied his thoughts."
Context: Jude quickly returns to work after church service to avoid talking to Sue
This reveals how Jude lies to himself about his motivations. He pretends work is calling him, but really he's afraid of his own feelings and what might happen if he approaches her.
In Today's Words:
He told himself he was just being professional, but really he was scared of what he might say or do if he got too close.
"He began to see that the schoolmaster was rather a simple, kind-hearted man, who had failed to get on in the world through want of that worldly wisdom which enables a man to make the best of himself."
Context: Jude's assessment of Phillotson during their reunion
This moment deflates Jude's romantic view of his former teacher and hints at his own likely fate. It shows how dreams often clash with reality, and how good people don't always succeed.
In Today's Words:
He realized his old teacher was basically a nice guy who never learned how to play the game and get ahead.
"Though he could not admit it even to himself, he was arranging for her to be near him; and in his heart he was glad that circumstances had arisen which would bring this about."
Context: Jude's true motivation for helping Sue get the teaching position
Hardy exposes the self-deception we all practice. Jude creates noble-sounding reasons for his actions while hiding his real selfish desires, even from himself.
In Today's Words:
He wouldn't admit it, but he was totally setting things up so she'd be around, and he was thrilled to have an excuse to make it happen.
Thematic Threads
Self-Deception
In This Chapter
Jude convinces himself arranging Sue's job is family duty, not romantic pursuit
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might catch yourself justifying questionable choices with noble-sounding reasons.
Class
In This Chapter
Phillotson's failure to achieve university success deflates Jude's academic dreams
Development
Continues from earlier chapters showing education's class barriers
In Your Life:
You might feel your aspirations dimming when you see others from similar backgrounds struggle.
Forbidden Desire
In This Chapter
Jude's attraction to Sue intensifies despite his marriage to Arabella
Development
Builds on his pattern of pursuing unavailable relationships
In Your Life:
You might find yourself drawn to situations or people you know you should avoid.
Manipulation
In This Chapter
Jude orchestrates Sue's placement with Phillotson to keep her close
Development
Shows Jude's growing willingness to manipulate circumstances
In Your Life:
You might arrange situations to your advantage while telling yourself you're helping others.
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
Sue faces conflict with her employer and must leave her position
Development
Continues theme of social constraints limiting individual freedom
In Your Life:
You might feel trapped by workplace or social expectations that don't fit who you are.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does Jude tell himself he's doing when he arranges Sue's job with Phillotson, and what is he actually doing?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Jude convince himself his motives are noble rather than admitting his real attraction to Sue?
analysis • medium - 3
Where have you seen people transform selfish desires into noble causes in your workplace, family, or community?
application • medium - 4
How can you catch yourself in the moment when you're dressing up your real motivations in acceptable language?
application • deep - 5
What does Jude's self-deception reveal about why we lie to ourselves rather than face uncomfortable truths about what we want?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Strip Away the Noble Language
Think of a recent decision you made that you justified as being 'for someone else's good' or 'the right thing to do.' Write down your official reason, then dig deeper and identify what you actually wanted from the situation. Don't judge yourself—just get honest about the real motivation underneath the acceptable explanation.
Consider:
- •Consider how you felt when making the decision—excited, anxious, or conflicted feelings often signal mixed motives
- •Ask yourself what you would have lost or missed out on if you hadn't taken that action
- •Notice if you had to convince yourself or others that your reasons were pure—that's often a red flag
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you eventually realized your 'noble' motivations were covering something more selfish. What did you learn about yourself, and how did that awareness change how you approach similar situations?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 16: The Umbrella Moment
As the story unfolds, you'll explore workplace dynamics can mask deeper attractions, while uncovering timing matters more than compatibility in relationships. These lessons connect the classic to contemporary challenges we all face.