"Jude the Obscure" is a novel written by Thomas Hardy in 1895, set in the fictional county of Wessex, England. It tells the story of Jude Fawley, a working-class man with dreams of becoming a scholar, and his complex relationships with the women in his life, including his cousin Sue Bridehead and his estranged wife Arabella. The novel explores themes of societal constraints, the pursuit of education and ambition, and the challenges posed by traditional morality and marriage. As the characters navigate their desires and aspirations in the face of societal norms, the story unfolds tragically, with personal suffering and heartbreak for the main characters. "Jude the Obscure" is a poignant critique of the societal norms and moral values of its time, shedding light on the struggles and limitations faced by individuals who sought to defy convention and pursue their dreams.