Illusions

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes "Jude the Obscure," by Thomas Hardy and "Lost Illusions," by Honore de Balzac. Specifically, it compares the theme of illusions in these two texts, citing textual evidence. The author discusses how the two protagonists, Jude and Lucien, are spurned into action because of their illusions; however, along their journeys of becoming a poet and a scholar, Lucien loses his illusions, whereas Jude does not. The writer concludes that although there is nothing wrong with illusions, the works both seem to say that when you use them to dominate and rule your life, you will ultimately fail.

From the Paper:

"Poor Jude, he is a tragic victim of his illusions from the first page of "Jude the Obscure" until the last. Everything he has sought in his life has been nothing but an illusion. From the moment his teacher leaves Marygreen and tells him about the university in Christminster, Jude is doomed. He longs to study at the university, and this is his first illusion, that Christminster is the wonderland where his future will become complete. His aunt adds to the already growing illusion, by telling him he should have gone with the schoolmaster, and education runs in the family."

More papers on Illusions:

• Analytical Essay # 26712 : "Urban vs. Rural Characters in Balzac's "Lost Illusions"
• Book Review # 102612 : "Isolation and Illusions in "The Death of Ivan Ilyich"
• Book Review # 74774 : "Illusions"

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