Master this chapter. Complete your experience
Purchase the complete book to access all chapters and support classic literature
As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to recognize when we dress selfish impulses in noble clothing to avoid uncomfortable self-examination.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when you feel strongly motivated to help someone or enforce a principle—pause and ask yourself what you actually want from the situation before acting.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"It was not so much his anxiety to get on with his work that made him go up to it immediately the worshipers began to take their leave: it was that he dared not, in this holy place, speak to the woman who had increasingly occupied his thoughts."
Context: Jude quickly returns to work after church service to avoid talking to Sue
This reveals how Jude lies to himself about his motivations. He pretends work is calling him, but really he's afraid of his own feelings and what might happen if he approaches her.
In Today's Words:
He told himself he was just being professional, but really he was scared of what he might say or do if he got too close.
"He began to see that the schoolmaster was rather a simple, kind-hearted man, who had failed to get on in the world through want of that worldly wisdom which enables a man to make the best of himself."
Context: Jude's assessment of Phillotson during their reunion
This moment deflates Jude's romantic view of his former teacher and hints at his own likely fate. It shows how dreams often clash with reality, and how good people don't always succeed.
In Today's Words:
He realized his old teacher was basically a nice guy who never learned how to play the game and get ahead.
"Though he could not admit it even to himself, he was arranging for her to be near him; and in his heart he was glad that circumstances had arisen which would bring this about."
Context: Jude's true motivation for helping Sue get the teaching position
Hardy exposes the self-deception we all practice. Jude creates noble-sounding reasons for his actions while hiding his real selfish desires, even from himself.
In Today's Words:
He wouldn't admit it, but he was totally setting things up so she'd be around, and he was thrilled to have an excuse to make it happen.
Thematic Threads
Self-Deception
In This Chapter
Jude convinces himself arranging Sue's job is family duty, not romantic pursuit
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might catch yourself justifying questionable choices with noble-sounding reasons.
Class
In This Chapter
Phillotson's failure to achieve university success deflates Jude's academic dreams
Development
Continues from earlier chapters showing education's class barriers
In Your Life:
You might feel your aspirations dimming when you see others from similar backgrounds struggle.
Forbidden Desire
In This Chapter
Jude's attraction to Sue intensifies despite his marriage to Arabella
Development
Builds on his pattern of pursuing unavailable relationships
In Your Life:
You might find yourself drawn to situations or people you know you should avoid.
Manipulation
In This Chapter
Jude orchestrates Sue's placement with Phillotson to keep her close
Development
Shows Jude's growing willingness to manipulate circumstances
In Your Life:
You might arrange situations to your advantage while telling yourself you're helping others.
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
Sue faces conflict with her employer and must leave her position
Development
Continues theme of social constraints limiting individual freedom
In Your Life:
You might feel trapped by workplace or social expectations that don't fit who you are.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does Jude tell himself he's doing when he arranges Sue's job with Phillotson, and what is he actually doing?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Jude convince himself his motives are noble rather than admitting his real attraction to Sue?
analysis • medium - 3
Where have you seen people transform selfish desires into noble causes in your workplace, family, or community?
application • medium - 4
How can you catch yourself in the moment when you're dressing up your real motivations in acceptable language?
application • deep - 5
What does Jude's self-deception reveal about why we lie to ourselves rather than face uncomfortable truths about what we want?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Strip Away the Noble Language
Think of a recent decision you made that you justified as being 'for someone else's good' or 'the right thing to do.' Write down your official reason, then dig deeper and identify what you actually wanted from the situation. Don't judge yourself—just get honest about the real motivation underneath the acceptable explanation.
Consider:
- •Consider how you felt when making the decision—excited, anxious, or conflicted feelings often signal mixed motives
- •Ask yourself what you would have lost or missed out on if you hadn't taken that action
- •Notice if you had to convince yourself or others that your reasons were pure—that's often a red flag
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you eventually realized your 'noble' motivations were covering something more selfish. What did you learn about yourself, and how did that awareness change how you approach similar situations?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 16: The Umbrella Moment
Sue begins her new position as Phillotson's assistant, but the arrangement Jude orchestrated may have consequences none of them anticipated. The schoolmaster starts to see his young teacher in a new light.
