[Hardy-l] Father Time

[Richard Nemesvari]

Father Time is named as "little Jude" twice in the novel.  The first
occurs after Sue's disastrous confession that she is pregnant again:
"'Y-you must forgive me, little Jude!' she pleaded, her bosom heaving
now as much as the boy's."  (Jude OUP p. 323)

The second time occurs as Jude arranges for the burial of the children:
"When Jude had seen the two little boxes--one containing little Jude,
and the other the two smallest--deposited in the earth he hastened back
to Sue, who was still in her room, and he therefore did not disturb her
just then."  (Jude OUP p. 329)

It therefore appears that Jude and Sue have been calling the child
"Jude" even though he is never officially christened by that name, so I
think Betty has a case that he does not remain nameless.


Richard Nemesvari
Department of English
St. Francis Xavier University
rnemesva at stfx.ca