Jude the Obscure is fiction. It tells a story that is not based on actual facts or real people's experiences. It's a creation of the author to entertain and explore various themes through fictional characters and their circumstances.
Jude the Obscure as a modern novel shows a break from traditional narrative structures. It has a rather bleak and unromantic view of life. For instance, the relationship between Jude and Sue is not a typical love story but is full of contradictions and moral dilemmas. This reflects the modernist tendency to question and subvert the old ideals of love and relationships. Moreover, it portrays the individual's struggle against society's norms in a very realistic way.
Jude Fawley is the most important character. He is the central figure whose dreams and struggles drive the story. Then there is Sue Bridehead. She has a complex relationship with Jude and her own independent and rebellious nature adds to the plot. Phillotson is also important. He is involved in the love triangle with Jude and Sue, and his actions and decisions have an impact on the story.
Well, in 'Jude the Obscure', a major theme is the power of society over the individual. Jude's life is largely shaped by the social expectations and restrictions of his time. He wants to study at the university in Christminster but is held back by his lack of money and social standing. The theme of love is complex too. His relationship with Sue is unconventional and goes against the norms, leading to a great deal of internal and external conflict. Plus, the novel touches on the theme of despair, as Jude gradually loses hope in his dreams and in life itself.
The main reason is the characters' unfulfilled dreams and the harsh social circumstances they face. Jude's constant struggle and failure to achieve his goals, along with the restrictions imposed by society, lead to a tragic outcome.
Jude the Obscure represents modernity as a novel by challenging the established social and moral codes. It doesn't simply accept the status quo but rather questions the fairness of the class system, the institution of marriage, and religious dogma. This kind of critical examination of society was becoming more prevalent in modern novels. Also, the way it portrays the characters' inner lives, with all their insecurities and doubts, is in line with the modernist focus on the psychological state of the individual.
Well, one major difference is the focus on the protagonist's intellectual and educational aspirations. In Jude the Obscure, this aspect is central and drives the plot, which isn't as prominent in other Hardy novels. Also, the ending is particularly bleak and tragic, setting it apart.
Contacting the Black Warrior Review directly might be a good idea. They may be able to tell you where you can obtain their collection of obscure short stories, whether it's through their own website, a partner distributor, or other means.
Their obscurity itself can be a special factor. It means they might offer unique perspectives and styles that are not commonly found in mainstream short stories.
I don't know who St Jude Beckett is in this story as I haven't heard of it before. It could be a fictional character or a real person that only a small group of people are familiar with.