Far from the Madding Crowd Lesson Plan

The narrator states that Bathsheba weakens under the force of Troy's charms, "not because the nature of his cajolery was entirely unperceived, but because its vigor was overwhelming." What does this statement mean, and what does it show about Bathsheba and Troy's attraction to each other?

This statement shows that Bathsheba is aware that Troy is vehemently trying to charm her, and that his flattery may not be entirely genuine. She is not a clueless girl who thinks that Troy has no ulterior motives. Still, she succumbs to his flattery, mostly because it is so persistent and forceful she does not know how to maintain her defenses. This shows that Bathsheba is attracted to...