A Probe Into the Narrative Structure of Jude the Obscure

Lingling LI

Abstract


This paper attempts to explore the narrative structure Hardy employed in Jude the Obscure. Based on close reading and textual analysis of Jude the Obscure, the essay argues that the text takes on the form of circular structure and contrastive symmetry. With such pluralistic forms, a perfect harmony is thus achieved between the content, especially in the tragic themes, and form so as to enhance the tragic effect and irony of the text. It is concluded that both in time span and narrative structure Hardy transcends the 19th century Victorian norms, thus Hardy may be also acknowledged as a modernist writer.

 


Keywords


Jude the Obscure; Narrative structure; Circular structure; Symmetry; Contrast

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3968/n

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