수우(Sue)의 형상화 -『무명의 주드』의 여성론 비평 -

A Study on Characterization of Sue and the Feminist Criticism in Hardy's J ude the Obscure

This paper discusses recent feminist criticism on Hardy's Jude the Obscure, focusing on the characterization of Sue Bridehead. There is no question about the depiction of Sue as representing a typical - “New Woman," a feminist ideal which - emerge in later Victorian society. However, some critics point out the abnormal psychology or inconsistency in her characterization as the outcome of the author's growing weakness in the feminist cause. In this regard, Sue's final reunification, in which she gives up her long struggle and returns to Mr. Phillotson, has been criticized most of all. this kind of defection, however, is not unfamiliar to the regards of hardy's novels, who have found similar self-abnegation in Angel Clare's abandonment of Tess Durbeyfield. This kind of plot may be named ‘the failure of the idealists' and its repetition signifies the author's predilection for and prejudice against the so-called idealists. In short, Sue's reunification was predestined following the author's deep-rooted prejudice against the idealists. No doubt Jude the Obscure develops and deepens Hardy's commitment to feminist ideals, but Sue's abandonment and inconsistency must not be considered as the author's own.