Far from the Madding Crowd, set in the fictional region of Wessex, is a beloved novel by renowned author Thomas Hardy. The story follows the journey of Bathsheba, a spirited young farmer, as she navigates the challenges of wealth, beauty, and independence while attracting the attention of multiple suitors.
Born in Dorset in 1814, Hardy drew inspiration from his solitary upbringing in the tranquil English countryside for his writing. He initially pursued a career in architecture but found his true calling in literature with the release of his first novel, A Pair of Blue Eyes, in 1872. His iconic portrayal of Wessex, based on his hometown, was first introduced in Far from the Madding Crowd, which gained widespread acclaim when it was first published as a serial in 1873 and later as a complete novel in 1874.
Besides exploring the intricacies of the class system, Hardy also delved into the realities of women's lives during the Victorian era. From his thought-provoking poems, like "The Ruined Maid" in 1866, to his renowned novels such as Far from the Madding Crowd and Tess of the D'urbavilles, Hardy's writing shed light on the struggles and obstacles faced by women during this era. Despite being approached multiple times to publicly support the suffragette movement, Hardy consistently declined, even when his estranged first wife Emma was actively involved in the movement until 1909. He also refused to sign a letter denouncing the suffragettes, despite a direct request from Lord Curzon.
The suffragette movement, which aimed to secure voting rights for women, began in the UK in 1832 when Mary Smith petitioned her MP, Henry Hunt. By 1866, the movement had gained considerable momentum and achieved its first mass petition with over 1500 signatures being presented to the House of Commons by John Stuart Mill. Eventually, in July 1928, The Representation of the People Act was passed, granting all adults over 21 years of age the right to vote. Similar movements were also taking place in other countries around the world during this time.
The novel opens in the picturesque landscape of Wessex, where Gabriel, a shepherd, works. Bathsheba, the charming protagonist, is first introduced as the attractive niece of a local woman, with whom Gabriel frequently crosses paths. Although she initially shows no interest in him, Bathsheba ultimately saves Gabriel from suffocation after he dozes off near a fire.
As Gabriel falls deeply in love with Bathsheba, he seeks permission from her aunt to court her. However, her aunt falsely claims that Bathsheba already has other suitors. After a lighthearted misunderstanding, Bathsheba makes it clear that she does not intend to marry Gabriel, and he accepts her answer.
In the Victorian era, the term "courting" was used to refer to dating and had strict rules and conventions. For instance, if a man and woman were dancing together without being formally introduced, they were not allowed to speak to each other. A chaperone was also usually required during the early stages of courtship to safeguard a woman's reputation from gossip and speculation.
After inheriting a farm from her uncle, Bathsheba moves to Weatherbury to oversee its operations. Gabriel's inexperienced sheepdog unintentionally drives his flock into a chalk pit, leaving him bankrupt. He sets out to find work as a farm laborer and ends up in Weatherbury, where he rescues Bathsheba's barn from catching fire. Upon discovering their shared history, Bathsheba hires Gabriel as a shepherd on her farm.
Meanwhile, Bathsheba's maid, Fanny, runs away and crosses paths with Gabriel in the woods, where he lends her a shilling. Fanny tries to persuade her lover, Sergeant Troy, to marry her, but he treats her coldly in front of his fellow soldiers.
On Valentine's Day, Bathsheba and her maid, Liddy, send a playful Valentine's card to their wealthy neighbor, William Boldwood. However, William takes the card seriously, as he has secretly admired Bathsheba for some time. He becomes increasingly insistent on marrying her, and she agrees to consider it in the future.
As plans for Fanny and Troy's wedding fall apart, Gabriel leaves the farm after a disagreement with Bathsheba over her callous treatment of Boldwood. However, he returns at her request to rescue her sheep. This leads to Bathsheba meeting Troy and eventually eloping with him in secret.
In the captivating tale of "Far from the Madding Crowd" by Thomas Hardy, the marriage between Troy and Bathsheba is far from blissful. While Troy indulges in gambling and drinking instead of fulfilling his duties as a husband and farmer, he also exerts control and dominance over Bathsheba. However, her fiercely independent nature often clashes with his overbearing demeanor. The couple faces further turmoil when Bathsheba discovers that Fanny's child, who dies in poverty and is buried by Bathsheba, is actually Troy's offspring.
Despite being deeply affected by Fanny's death, Troy is presumed dead after being swept out to sea while swimming. Boldwood, a previous suitor of Bathsheba, takes the opportunity to propose to her once again. While she agrees to marry him in six years' time, Troy surprisingly reappears and demands Bathsheba back. In a fit of jealousy and rage, Boldwood shoots Troy and attempts to take his own life, but is stopped. He is then sentenced to life in prison. A year after Troy's death, Gabriel, who has remained loyal and supportive to Bathsheba, proposes to her and they finally become husband and wife.
Beyond the usual themes of Victorian-era country life and the class system, "Far from the Madding Crowd" touches on the concepts of love, independence, and the relationship between humans and nature.
As a female in a male-dominated society, Bathsheba defies conventional gender roles as the owner of a farm. Her unwavering independence allows her to successfully run the farm, but it also creates a divide between her and Gabriel, who has always been in love with her. However, Hardy subtly showcases that Bathsheba's independence may not be as strong as it seems. She relies on Gabriel for support in crucial moments, such as when her workers are unable to prepare the farm for a storm due to being intoxicated.
Do you believe that Bathsheba was truly independent, or did she rely on Gabriel from the beginning of their relationship?
The novel also delves into the different forms of love and how they are perceived by Bathsheba. While Boldwood offers material gifts and a possessive sense of ownership, his love is ultimately proven to be superficial and controlling. On the other hand, Troy presents the allure of excitement and mystery, but he is deceitful and unreliable. It is only when Bathsheba matures that she learns to appreciate Gabriel, who offers steady support and reliability.
Connected to the theme of love is deceit. Bathsheba's thoughtless action of sending Boldwood a Valentine's card leads to chaos, as he becomes fixated on her. Troy, on the other hand, is cunning and dishonest, hiding his relationship with Fanny and assuming a false identity upon his return. Regardless of the scale, deceit always has negative consequences in the novel.
What are your thoughts on Bathsheba's treatment of Boldwood? Why do you think she ultimately chooses to marry Troy over Gabriel or Boldwood?
The title of the novel, "Far from the Madding Crowd," is derived from a line in Thomas Gray's poem "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard," referring to a place away from the frenzied activity of crowded cities. However, Hardy depicts a different image of the countryside by revealing that even in a tranquil setting, life can be chaotic.
The novel follows the cycles of nature, as seen through the cultivation and harvesting of crops in accordance with the changing seasons. It also explores the relationship between humans, agriculture, and nature, as shown through the devastation of Boldwood's crops during a storm. Gabriel is portrayed as the character most attuned to nature, as he is the only one able to rescue Bathsheba's sheep. In contrast, Troy and Boldwood are out of touch with nature and often face repercussions due to their disregard for its power.
While the novel features numerous compelling and well-developed characters, it is worth examining the key ones more closely.
Bathsheba is the main protagonist of the novel, a striking and headstrong woman who inherits and manages Upper Weatherbury Farm. Her strong sense of independence often leads her to impulsive decisions, such as marrying Troy. However, after his death, she rediscovers her inner drive and becomes a successful farmer.
Far from the Madding Crowd, written by Thomas Hardy, is a captivating novel set in rural Wessex during the 1860s and 1870s. Among the many complex characters, Gabriel Oak stands out as a loyal and supportive friend to the protagonist, Bathsheba. He is the only one who truly understands her and is always there to offer guidance and support throughout her journey of love, deceit, and self-discovery in a world where societal expectations and man's relationship with nature clash.
The novel follows the journey of Bathsheba, a wealthy and independent farmer who becomes bankrupt and has to work as a farm labourer. She captures the attention of three suitors: Gabriel, a shepherd; Boldwood, a wealthy neighbour; and Troy, a soldier who initially impregnates Fanny before marrying Bathsheba. As the plot unfolds, themes of love, class, independence, gender roles, deceit, and man's relationship with nature are explored.
Bathsheba's beauty and independence make her a coveted choice for potential suitors. However, she struggles to understand what type of love she truly desires and who she should choose. This leads to tension and conflict in her relationships, particularly in her brief marriage to the deceitful and dominating Troy. On the other hand, Gabriel, who is in tune with nature, becomes a reliable and dependable presence in Bathsheba's life. Despite their initial misunderstandings, their relationship grows and they end up getting married.
Through the characters of Boldwood and Troy, Hardy highlights the destructive effects of obsession and deceit. Boldwood, initially portrayed as an eligible bachelor, becomes unstable and ultimately commits a crime of passion by shooting Troy. Bathsheba's thoughtless actions towards Boldwood also showcase the consequences of teasing and leading someone on without realizing the extent of their feelings.
In the midst of these complex relationships, Hardy also touches upon the idea of man's relationship with nature. Gabriel, who is a shepherd, is attuned to the ways of the natural world and this reflects in his character. He is intensely human and has a deep respect for his flock and the land. In contrast, Boldwood's neglect of his farm and Troy's recklessness showcase the negative impact of disregarding nature.
The title, "Far from the Madding Crowd," is taken from a line in Thomas Gray's poem, "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard." However, Hardy uses this title to ironically portray the harsh realities of country life, rather than the idyllic and peaceful image often associated with it. The story follows Bathsheba's journey towards self-discovery and understanding the true meaning of love, while also shedding light on the destructive effects of societal expectations and deceit.
In conclusion, Far from the Madding Crowd is a timeless novel that delves into complex themes and characters that are still relevant in modern society. Through Bathsheba's journey, it serves as a reminder that true love and fulfillment can only be found by looking beyond societal expectations and embracing one's own desires. And amidst all the love, deceit, and conflicts, Gabriel Oak remains a loyal and steadfast character, making him a memorable and integral part of the novel.
