『무명의 주드』에 나타난 여주인공의 주체성 추구

Abstract

The aim of this study is to show Thomas Hardy’s opinions and conceptions of inequable marriage and woman’s sexuality. At the same time, Hardy tries to give us the solutions of Victorian society’s unreasonable and evil practices of marriage. He continuously struggles to change and improve outdated conventions and discrimination toward women applied to women through one of main characters, Sue Bridehead. Sue wants to come true equal rights in marriage and woman’s various social positions. Sue pursues her identity and independence rejecting the traditional marriage. To live without relying on husband, Sue attempts to get various jobs. Having economic abilities for women is one of many conditions of independence from men. Sue wants to live without a legal wedding ceremony with Jude. Sue herself thinks love is more important than legal formalities of marriage. Sue’s aversion to the irrational wedlock is not accepted in the society at that time. Although Sue’s free will and attempt to reform the deep-rooted social evils could not be realized, Hardy shows us the possibility of the betterment of sexual discrimination, worn-out ideologies and old-fashioned values. Finally, Sue’s pursuit of subjectivity and pride of woman is to embody the dignity of man through achieving the harmony and balance between man and woman.