Jude the Obscure · Chapter
I explained
The schoolmaster Mr.
What happens
The schoolmaster Mr. Phillotson leaves the village of Marygreen, and young Jude Fawley helps him pack. Phillotson explains his dream of attending university in Christminster and becoming a graduate and ordained minister. After Phillotson departs, Jude reflects on his loss and the changes in the village, including the replacement of the old church with a modern one.
Themes in this chapter
Education and Ignorance
Phillotson's departure for Christminster highlights the pursuit of higher education as a means to escape provincial life, while Jude's longing for knowledge is evident in his attachment to the schoolmaster.
Ambition and Frustration
Phillotson's dream of a university degree and ordination is introduced, foreshadowing the theme of ambition thwarted by circumstance.
Characters to notice
- Jude Fawley
An eleven-year-old boy who assists Mr. Phillotson with packing and is deeply affected by his departure.
- Richard Phillotson
The schoolmaster leaving Marygreen for Christminster to pursue a university degree and ordination.
- Aunt Drusilla
Jude's aunt, who agrees to store Mr. Phillotson's piano in her fuel-house.
Key passages
“The schoolmaster was leaving the village, and everybody seemed sorry.”
The teacher was departing from the village, and the community appeared regretful.
Opening line establishing the departure of Mr. Phillotson.
“My scheme, or dream, is to be a university graduate, and then to be ordained.”
My plan or aspiration is to earn a university degree and subsequently become a clergyman.
Phillotson explains his ambition to Jude.
“I've seen him look down into it, when he was tired with his drawing, just as I do now, and when he rested a bit before carrying the buckets home! But he was too clever to bide here any longer—a small sleepy place like this!”
I have observed him gazing into the well when exhausted from his sketching, just as I am now, pausing before taking the buckets home. But he was too intelligent to remain in this drowsy little village any longer.
Jude's reflection on Phillotson's departure and his own sense of stagnation.