Since Arabella has left him, Jude is free to pursue his ambitions to go to Christminster. He only has to wait until he has served his apprenticeship as a stonemason.

Rejected by the Dean of Cardinal College, Jude has left Christminster in despair. He now works as a jobbing mason but still retains his scholastic ambitions.

Sue has lost her place at the Normal College and Phillotson has suggested they should now marry. She decides to consult Jude, who has met with Arabella.