Jude the Obscure: Part 6, Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

The next day Christminster is covered in fog and Jude is too depressed to go to work. Meanwhile Sue takes the train to Marygreen and arrives like a supplicant at Phillotson’s house. Phillotson welcomes her, but when he tries to kiss her Sue shrinks back. She pretends this is because of the cold, and asks about the marriage. Phillotson says that the vicar said this second marriage would undo all their previous sins, and they can be married tomorrow morning.

Sue catches sight of the marriage contract on a desk, and she inadvertently cries out in panic. She tries to laugh this away too. Sue goes off to stay at the Widow Edlin’s house, and as she unpacks her things Sue finds a nightgown she had bought to impress Jude. She burns it, despite Mrs. Edlin’s protests. Mrs. Edlin begs Sue not to marry Phillotson, as she is still clearly in love with Jude.

Meanwhile Gillingham congratulates Phillotson on winning Sue back. Phillotson has second thoughts, recognizing Sue’s reluctance, but then he decides that he too ought to submit to society’s will and go through with the marriage, and then be more strict with Sue afterwards. Mrs. Edlin comes to visit Phillotson that night and begs him not to marry Sue. She laments the state of marriage these days, saying it was more “careless” in her time.

The next morning Sue looks small and tired, but she goes with Phillotson to the church. They go through with the marriage, but Phillotson feels like he is doing something immoral. After the contract is signed the vicar says “all’s well that ends well,” and tells the couple that they have undone their past sins and saved themselves from Hell. Phillotson and Sue return home, and Phillotson tells her that he doesn’t intend to intrude on her – this marriage was mostly for society’s sake – which lessens Sue’s worries.