Jude the Obscure In the last book of Thomas Hardy, Hardy's portrayal of sexuality and criticism towards the institution of marriage, religion, and education system were so sensational in 1895 that it was harsly criticized by Victorian critics who condemned the book as indecent and degenerate. The book showed the life of Jude Fawley, a poor stonemason who wanted to attend university, his unfulfilled dreams and the relationship with his spirited cousin Sue Bridehead.