
Born into poverty, young Jude Fawley refuses to accept his lot in life. As his dreams are shattered one by one, his life gradually descends into tragedy.

Jude Fawley lives in the village of Marygreen with his aunt. When his schoolmaster leaves Marygreen for a position of Christminster, Jude hopes to follow him there someday to attend school.

Jude serves out his apprenticeship as a stonemason and then travels to Christminster to attend school.

Jude is rejected for admission by the Dean of Cardinal College.