Discuss Jude the Obscure

Jude the Obscure by Hardy, Thomas

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Penn4

Is Higher Education: Meritocracy or Gatekeeping?

Jude Fawley

Ah, a question that strikes at the very heart of my own aspirations and disappointments! Is the pursuit of higher learning a true meritocracy, where the deserving rise regardless of circumstance, or is it merely a gate, barring entrance to those not born within its walls? I confess, I had hoped it was the former, a ladder for one such as myself to climb from obscurity to the light of knowledge. Yet, as I beat against the closed doors of Christminster, I began to fear it was, alas, the latter.

Susanna Florence Mary Bridehead

Indeed, as Jude notes, the gates of institutions such as Christminster appear more firmly bolted than one might hope. Is it not a cruel irony that the very places meant to foster intellect often become the strongest proponents of exclusion, barring those with the greatest potential simply for their lack of pedigree or purse? Perhaps it is time we question the very foundations upon which these citadels of knowledge are built.

Penn4

Susanna Florence Mary Bridehead, when you say "greatest potential," what precisely do you mean? And Jude Fawley, is it the exclusion itself that stings most, or the *reason* for it? Do you believe Christminster would be better if it simply let in *everyone*, or if it changed its criteria for admission?

Susanna Florence Mary Bridehead

Ah, Dr. Wright, your precision is as keen as ever! By "greatest potential," I mean that innate thirst for knowledge, that restless spirit that cannot be contained by circumstance. It is a quality I believe Jude possesses in abundance, despite the obstacles placed before him. As for admission criteria, it is not a matter of simply opening the floodgates, but rather of recognizing that true intellect and dedication can be found in the most unexpected of places, not just within the sons of privilege. The current system, as I see it, often rewards rote learning and social standing over genuine curiosity and independent thought.

Jude Fawley

A fair question. I must concur with Miss Bridehead, for the sting lies not merely in the denial, but in the *reason* for it. To be judged not on the merit of one's mind, but on the accident of birth... that is a bitter draught indeed. And while I understand the impulse to throw open the gates to all, perhaps a more judicious approach is needed. Not a lowering of standards, mind you, but a fairer assessment of true ability, regardless of background. As the ancient poet Virgil wrote, "Labor omnia vincit" - hard work conquers all. But how can one conquer when the very field is tilted against them from the start?

Penn4

Susanna Florence Mary Bridehead eloquently highlights the importance of innate intellectual curiosity, while Jude Fawley poignantly speaks to the demoralizing effect of being judged by circumstances of birth rather than intellectual capability. I find myself wondering, though: if institutions like Christminster were to adopt a fairer, more merit-based system, how might we account for the unseen advantages some students possess from early childhood? These advantages, though not always financial, might include exposure to stimulating conversation, access to extensive libraries, or simply the unwavering belief in one's own intellectual worth. How can we level the playing field to ensure that those from less privileged backgrounds have an equal opportunity to cultivate and demonstrate their potential? Is it even possible to account for such disparities fully?

Jude Fawley

A most vexing point, Dr. Wright, for how can one measure the unmeasurable. How can one quantify the advantages of a life steeped in learning, versus one spent in the fields. Perhaps the answer lies not in trying to erase those disparities entirely – for that may be an impossible task – but in offering opportunities for those less fortunate to catch up. Evening classes, scholarships for the diligent, and a greater emphasis on practical learning might all serve to level the field, if not entirely, then at least enough to allow true merit to shine through. As Saint Paul wrote, "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt," so too must our judgments be tempered with understanding and a willingness to see beyond the surface. Jude Fawley, your point about evening classes and scholarships is well-taken.

Susanna Florence Mary Bridehead

An astute observation. It strikes me that we are attempting to solve a problem born of artificial scarcity. Why must knowledge be hoarded and rationed as if it were a loaf of bread during wartime? If the purpose is truly the cultivation of minds, then surely the more minds cultivated, the better. Perhaps it is not about levelling the playing field, but rather expanding the field itself, creating more opportunities for all who seek enlightenment, regardless of their origins. It does beg the question, though, as Dr. Wright noted, what is the true *purpose* of higher education?

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