Jude the Obscure Gender Quotes

O, Gillingham, you antiquated brute. Phillotson's friend's thoughts on Sue are actually much more along the lines of the general populace in the book than Phillotson's or Jude's. The fact that there are two men in Sue's life who attempt to give her freedom is a sign that the times, they are a-changing. While the larger society of the novel is not ready for Sue's rebellious thoughts, there are people out there who accept and value Sue for being the freethinker that she is.

Despite what she preaches, there are moments when Sue doesn't quite have the courage of her convictions. Here, Jude tells Sue that she has been flirting with him, and Sue gets angry and guilty. Sue excuses herself for flirting, even though she thinks the two of them shouldn't see each other anymore, because sometimes a woman's "love of being loved" can overcome her conscience. This is a weird moment because Sue, who is often so particular about thinking of herself as a person rather than a woman, suddenly excuses herself based on her gender. What do you think of Sue's reasoning here? Do you think that women have a particular "love of being loved," or is that just a human thing?

While Gillingham would just as soon punish Sue for what she has done to Phillotson, Phillotson sees mercy and understanding as being the far manlier actions to take. Good for you, sir. Good for you.