As Jude and Sue grow closer in Christminster, she goes through with her marriage to Phillotson. Though Jude tries to support her, it becomes clear that her marriage does not bring her happiness. Sue eventually confesses her unhappiness to Jude and begins to pull away from Phillotson. Realizing that Sue loves Jude, Phillotson makes the painful decision to let her go. However, society is not kind to unconventional relationships, and Jude and Sue face harsh judgment for being together without being married. They choose to live as a couple outside the bounds of legal marriage, but this decision brings them constant scrutiny and discrimination from those around them.
