Far from the Madding Crowd Essay Questions

Why does Bathsheba reject Gabriel's proposal at the start of the novel?

Gabriel is smitten by Bathsheba and proposes to her very quickly without allowing much time for them to get to know each other. When he proposes, he also focuses on the ways in which he will be able to make Bathsheba economically comfortable, not the ways in which the two might enjoy each other's company, or have things in common. Without any of this context, Bathsheba does not feel love for Gabriel, and she does not want to marry a man she doesn't love simply because doing so will make her more secure. Bathsheba is also very proud and independent, and worries about whether or not she will like the close companionship involved in marriage. It is only through the many challenges she experiences during the plot that Bathsheba comes to love Gabriel because of the dedication and reliability he shows, and because she realizes she wants a steadfast partner by her side. As Bathsheba matures and becomes wiser, she gains perspective about why Gabriel is a desirable partner, but at the start of the novel, she is too young and immature to realize this.

What role do reversals of fortune play in the novel?

Reversals of fortune and changes to a character's social position play a significant role in the novel. At the start of the plot, Gabriel is in a promising economic position and his future looks rosy for him to advance far beyond the social standing into which he was born. Bathsheba's position is very precarious, since she is an orphan and may have to resort to working as a governess in order to earn a livelihood. After Gabriel proposes and is rejected, the fortunes of the two characters reverse due to chance circumstances: Bathsheba inherits her uncle's farm, making her prosperous and also in a position of power as a landowner, while Gabriel is reduced to poverty after he loses his flock of sheep. This reversal of fortune leads to the two characters re-encountering each other when Gabriel begins working on Bathsheba's farm, and it also makes it possible for their relationship to develop. As Bathsheba's employee, Gabriel has the chance to demonstrate how reliable and competent he is, and their time spent working together towards shared goals deepens their bond. Interestingly, it is only when their fortunes have shifted again that the two decide to marry: at the end of the novel, Gabriel is again increasing his status and earning power, while Bathsheba has shifted out of a power position due to taking a much more hands-off role in the farm.

How do Bathsheba's three suitors serve as different models of masculinity?

Gabriel Oak, Farmer Boldwood, and Sergeant Troy all attempt to woo and marry Bathsheba at different points in the novel. As they compete for her affection and attention, the three men also embody different types of masculinity. Gabriel Oak is presented as a humble and down-to-earth man; even his last name connects him to an element of the natural world. Although he is ambitious and competent enough to achieve success and advance far beyond his modest beginnings as a shepherd, Gabriel never acts like he is too good for anything, and he is always willing to do any kind of work that might benefit the farm and the community. He is reliable, conscientious, and dependable, but his modesty and economic instability make it hard for Bathsheba to recognize what is attractive about him. Farmer Boldwood, on the other hand, is very prosperous and well-established, and represents a sound financial choice. Although he is older and not as physically attractive as Gabriel, he is very much in love with Bathsheba and would be a doting and indulgent husband. Finally, Troy represents a dangerous but enticing alternative to the other two men. He is by far the most handsome and charismatic of the three, but he is also reckless and unpredictable.

How is sexual desire portrayed in the novel?

Sexual desire is portrayed as a dangerous force that often leads characters, especially women, to make harmful choices. First Fanny, and then Bathsheba, are seduced by the charm and good looks of Sergeant Troy. The two women follow their hearts and their desires, and end up suffering unfortunate consequences. Fanny winds up pregnant and destitute, and eventually dies as a result of poverty and neglect. Bathsheba ends up trapped in an unhappy marriage and at risk for economic ruin due to Troy's reckless spending and laziness. Even for the male characters, their desires can make them unhappy: Boldwood's longing for Bathsheba pushes him to the brink of insanity and leads to his eventual imprisonment, while Gabriel stunts his career progress because he remains faithful to working for her rather than exploring other opportunities. It is important to note that the novel does end with a happy marriage in which mutual desire plays a role: Gabriel and Bathsheba are clearly attracted to one another. More importantly, however, they have compatible goals and personalities.

How does the character of Bathsheba change over the course of the novel?

Over the course of the novel, Bathsheba matures from a willful and headstrong girl into a more reflective and compassionate woman. At the beginning of the novel, when she first rejects Gabriel's proposal and then when she takes on the management of her uncle's farm, Bathsheba is convinced that she can survive without anyone's help. She does not like the idea of long-term commitment, or of anyone telling her what to do. She also has romantic ideals of what the experience of falling in love should be like. Gradually, Bathsheba faces obstacles and challenges both in her business and in her personal life. She comes to realize that in order to manage the farm successfully she needs the loyalty and trust of her employees, but also reliable advice, which comes in the form of Gabriel. After her tragic marriage to Troy, she realizes that sexual attraction and impulse do not necessarily lead to long-term happiness and that she needs a partner who shares her values. While Bathsheba suffers a lot over the course of the story, this suffering ultimately makes her wiser and leads her to appreciate and value Gabriel.