. Sue commented to Phillotson, I think that this model, elaborate as it is, is a very imaginary productionthere was nothing first rate about the place, or people, after all-as there was about Athens, Rome, Alexandria and other old cities.(p. 87) This was one of many character flaws Sue held. She was never able to find happiness because she felt someplace else would make her happy. She was often talking poorly of Christminster and its components. She compared the city to new wine in old bottles. She felt the college and city were meant for someone like Jude and his eagerness to learn, but understood the reasons why he would never be accepted. She was outspoken on many subjects like this, but did not suit her actions to her words. She failed to leave the city on her own, that would be difficult, and married Phillotson because it was an easy answer to her many life questions.Sue, like Dorthea, married an older man she was totally incompatible with. She was not physically attracted to him, so her reason for marriage could only be for the security. This does not seem to be a product of the new woman or an intelligent person. Sue is still a virgin and never sleeps with her husband. She is fiercely afraid of desire and love, of emotions. She wants love and to be loved, but she does not know how to accomplish the task. She does not care how her actions might hurt her husband. This is one area where the two women are different to a large degree. Sue leaves her husband for Jude while Dorthea could have never left Casaubon, even though she did not love him. Sue and Jude live together unmarried for many years, neither able to marry in a church ceremony again. They have two children and care for his son from his first marriage with Arabella, Little Father Time. Little Father Time murders Sue and Judes children, then kills himself. Sue is expecting another child, but it is stillborn. Sue can not handle these tragedies. It is the...
