This volume in the New Casebook series examines and illustrates the ways in which Hardy criticism has been transformed by the growth of literary theory. Extracts from feminist, deconstructionist, Marxist and other contemporary readings of Jude the Obscure offer at once a range of discussions of the novel itself and a practical introduction to modes of theory-based interpretation. Boumelha's Introduction gives an overview of such contemporary developments in Hardy criticism.

'I am a fervent admirer of these volumes because they provide an excellent introductory essay that acts as a guide to the other essays and the collection covers several aspects of the novel which is ideal for 'A' Level students and undergraduates. This volume has depth and breadth; the writing lucid.' - Vivian Thomas, University of Birmingham

Acknowledgements
General Editor's Preface
Introduction; P. Boumelha
Jude the Obscure; P. Ingham
Jude the Obscure: Reading and the Spirit of the Law; R. Saldivar
Jude the Obscure: Sexual Ideology and Narrative Form; P. Boumelha
Jude the Obscure: The Return of the Pagan; C. L. Peterson
Hardy's Fist; J. Goode
Ill Wit and Sick Tragedy: Jude the Obscure; C. Brooke-Rose
Male Relations in Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure; R. Dellamora
Jude the Obscure and the Taboo of Virginity; M. A. Dibattista
Jude the Obscure: What Does a Man Want? M. Garson
Jude Fawley and the New Man; T. Dolin
Further Reading
Notes on Contributors
Index

PENNY BOUMELHA is Deputy Vice Chancellor and Jury Professor of English Language and Literature at the University of Adelaide.