Jude is a poorly educated country boy trying to get into a university. He attends Oxford and Christianity has a profound effect on his life and education.

Since Arabella has left him, Jude is free to pursue his ambitions to go to Christminster. He only has to wait until he has served his apprenticeship as a stonemason.

Rejected by the Dean of Cardinal College, Jude has left Christminster in despair. He now works as a jobbing mason but still retains his scholastic ambitions.

Sue has lost her place at the Normal College and Phillotson has suggested they should now marry. She decides to consult Jude, who has met with Arabella.

Sue has left her husband, Phillotson, and gone to Jude, although she insists they use seperate bedrooms. Jude starts divorce proceedings from Arabella.

Jude has been forced to sell up and travel looking for work. Sue and Juey are forced to work as well, although Sue is pregnant.