哈地在《無名的裘德》中，描繪了許多人受限於僵化的社會環境，以及部分角色，例如裘德，在這樣壓迫的環境之下，依然勇於追求自我定位。在物質主義盛行的時代中，個人的價值是被貶抑的。然而，裘德透過挑戰主流價值，察覺到傳統對他的束縛，並轉而追求自我。因此，本論文探討維多利亞人屈從於威權的情況、裘德反抗僵化的社會意識、以及儘管裘德受限於社會制度，依然能夠有獨立自主的行為。在此情形下，透過裘德奮鬥的精神，我們可看出只有善用意志與理性的能力，人類才能在社會壓迫中得到個人成長。
本論文涵蓋五章。第一章介紹早期哈地小說研究的相關議題。不同於這些觀點，獨立個體的觀念將被深入探討。第二章關注在裘德自我的轉變。在個人與社會緊密關係的影響下，裘德仍具有獨立的精神。裘德的生活困境在於，維多利亞社會中充滿許多僵化思考的人們。但儘管陷於身體與心智的掙扎，裘德卻依然展現他奮鬥的精神。第三章透過教育、宗教、婚姻和性等四大主題，探討裘德在面臨困境時的選擇。這樣的衝突顯示他的精神生活追求，與普遍的價值觀相背離，也與維多利亞社會格格不入。不接受僵化的道德規範，裘德對於教育、宗教、婚姻和性等議題的態度，反而呈現了他理想中的生活樣貌。第四章探討裘德面對社會壓迫時所表現的人性尊嚴。不同於那些永無止境追求財富、名聲與社會地位的人，裘德仰賴自己堅強的意志與性格去挖掘生命的意義。裘德挑戰社會限制並展現他的尊嚴。在令人窒息的社會中，良好的行為與態度是很重要的，因為它們讓個人能夠成為真正的個體。以正向角度研究裘德這個角色，本論文最後認為即使處在壓迫的社會環境中，個人依然有可能得到成長。

In Jude the Obscure, Thomas Hardy delineates individuals that get caught in a rigid society. However, he also singles out a few exceptional individuals. Among them the protagonist Jude seeks self-assertion in a repressive environment. In a time when materialism prevails, the value of personal performance is degraded. Yet, through challenging mainstream ideology, Jude sets over traditional confinements and transforms his self-identity. This thesis examines the Victorians' subjugation to authorities, Jude's rebellion against rigid social ideology, and his ability to take independent action despite the limits imposed by his society. In addition, Jude's fighting spirit is expounded to strengthen my argument that only by making the most of his will and capacity can Jude get personal growth under social oppression.
This thesis is divided into five chapters. Chapter one introduces relevant key points in the early research on social rigidities of the Victorian age in Hardy's novels. Apart from these points, a further discussion of the concept of an independent individual is investigated. Chapter two, “Jude's Self,” concentrates on the transformation of Jude's self and then investigates the close tie between the individual and society in an attempt to highlight the importance of Jude’s independent self. Jude's self is analyzed within the context of people's mechanical existence in Victorian society so as to demonstrate his difficulties in life. Despite being caught in the conflicts between flesh and mind, Jude still displays great fighting spirit. Chapter three, “Choices and Self-assertion,” studies Jude's choices in facing difficulties by examining four main aspects: education, religion, marriage, and sexuality. The conflicts demonstrate how his spiritual pursuits are contradictory to common social values and how he gets dislocated in the Victorian society. Generally speaking, moral norms make the Victorians act in a mechanic way; however, Jude's attitudes toward education, religion, marriage, and sexuality clarify his concept of ideal life. Chapter four, “Jude's Dignity,” explores the dignity that Jude shows in confronting the oppression of Victorian society. Unlike those endlessly pursuing external goals, such as wealth, reputation, and status, Jude finds meaning in life by his strong will and character. He challenges social confinements and shows his dignity in the end. The final chapter summarizes the relationship between the individual and society. In a stifling society, good behavior and attitudes are important because they enable individuals to be genuine men. In brief, by studying Jude as a positive figure, this thesis tries to suggest a possible way of personal growth under social oppression.

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