Thomas Hardy: That Inspired his Work - Jude the Obscure

'Jude the Obscure' is Thomas Hardy's last novel. Published in 1895, it marked a change in Hardy's life, after which he was more devoted to poetry and drama, and some short stories. There have been several adaptations of the book, for a film, and television, radio and even a musical. It has continued to be sold, with several different editions, since it was published. But how far are the events of Thomas Hardy's own life and experience reflected in the events and characters depicted in his book? How far is the book an accurate representation of what life was like in the towns and cities of Southern England at the end of the Victorian period? In this talk I will explore the events and characters of Hardy's novel and compare their experiences with the actual events of the times. Using evidence, we will see how true the depictions are and look at how far Victorian and Edwardian life affected Hardy as a writer.