# I explained — Jude the Obscure

> Chapter companion for Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters/i
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jude_the_obscure_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jude_the_obscure_se/chapters