31 Questions
What is Gabriel Oak's occupation?
Sheep-farmer
How does Gabriel first meet Bathsheba Everdene?
Seeing her in a carriage admiring herself in the mirror
Why does Bathsheba feel embarrassed when she meets Gabriel?
Because he tells her he saw her ride sidesaddle
Why does Gabriel leave dejected after speaking with Mrs. Hurst about Bathsheba?
He learns Bathsheba has had many suitors
Why does Bathsheba rush after Gabriel when he leaves her aunt's house?
To clarify she doesn't want any suitors and values independence
'Far From the Madding Crowd' begins with the introduction of which character?
Gabriel Oak
What was found written on Fanny's coffin that caught Bathsheba's attention?
Fanny's name and the word 'child'
What did Troy decide to do after his encounter with Fanny's body?
Join a circus as an employee
How did Boldwood react when Troy returned and proposed to Bathsheba at the party?
He shot Troy dead
What sentence was initially given to Boldwood after he shot Troy?
Death sentence
Why did Gabriel decide to leave the farm according to the text?
To avoid Bathsheba
What event led to Bathsheba and Gabriel rekindling their relationship?
A conversation at Gabriel's cottage
How did Bathsheba feel after her small, simple wedding with Gabriel?
Joyful
What led to Gabriel losing his entire life's savings?
His over-eager dogs chased his flock of sheep off a cliff.
Who is Bathsheba's youngest servant who goes missing?
Fanny Robbin
What does Fanny Robbin do after running off with her lover, Sergeant Francis Troy?
Sends Gabriel the money he gave her back in a letter.
Why is Boldwood thunderstruck upon receiving an anonymous letter from Bathsheba?
The letter contains a marriage proposal from Bathsheba.
What leads Boldwood to believe that Bathsheba may have feelings for him?
A valentine letter sent by Bathsheba.
How does Gabriel react when asked about the handwriting on the valentine letter sent to Boldwood?
He identifies it as Bathsheba's handwriting.
Who is known to be a trickster with women but is also charming and handsome?
Sergeant Troy
Why does Bathsheba decide she can either prevent Troy from coming back or break things off with him?
She is worried about a potential conflict between Troy and Boldwood.
Who pities Fanny and suggests that Troy should marry her to save her honor?
Boldwood
What is Bathsheba's reaction when Gabriel warns her about an incoming storm during the harvest dinner?
She ignores his warning.
Who admits that a lock of blond hair found in their watch-case belonged to the girl they loved before Bathsheba?
Sergeant Troy
What task do Bathsheba and Gabriel undertake all night during the harvest dinner despite others getting drunk?
Protecting the farm from an impending storm
What does the title 'Far From the Madding Crowd' allude to?
A poem by Thomas Gray
What theme does Hardy explore in 'Far From the Madding Crowd' related to human society and history?
Luck and moral responsibility
Which character in the novel exemplifies Hardy's ideal of living in harmony with nature?
Gabriel Oak
What aspect of relationships does Hardy critique in 'Far From the Madding Crowd'?
Betrayals and irrationalities
How does Hardy depict the character Bathsheba at the beginning of the novel?
As an assertive and independent woman
What philosophical concept about the development of biological species is Hardy influenced by in 'Far From the Madding Crowd'?
Evolution by natural selection
Study Notes
Character Introductions
- Gabriel Oak is a shepherd.
- The novel 'Far From the Madding Crowd' begins with the introduction of Gabriel Oak.
Gabriel and Bathsheba
- Gabriel first meets Bathsheba Everdene when she comes to his farm to ask for directions.
- Bathsheba feels embarrassed when she meets Gabriel because he sees her lying down in the mud.
- Gabriel leaves dejected after speaking with Mrs. Hurst about Bathsheba because Mrs. Hurst discourages him from pursuing Bathsheba.
- Bathsheba rushes after Gabriel when he leaves her aunt's house because she realizes her mistake in misunderstanding his intentions.
Fanny's Story
- Fanny's coffin has "Fanny Robbin, aged 20, May the 21st" written on it, which catches Bathsheba's attention.
- After encountering Fanny's body, Troy decides to leave and not pursue Fanny anymore.
- Fanny runs off with her lover, Sergeant Francis Troy.
Boldwood and Troy
- Boldwood reacts with shock and anger when Troy returns and proposes to Bathsheba at the party.
- Initially, Boldwood is sentenced to death after shooting Troy, but later commuted to imprisonment.
- Boldwood is thunderstruck upon receiving an anonymous letter from Bathsheba because it revives his hope of winning her love.
- Boldwood believes Bathsheba may have feelings for him because she sends him a valentine letter.
Gabriel and Bathsheba's Relationship
- Gabriel decides to leave the farm because he loses his entire life's savings due to a bad investment.
- The event that leads to Bathsheba and Gabriel rekindling their relationship is the harvest dinner.
- After her small, simple wedding with Gabriel, Bathsheba feels happy and content.
Themes and Symbolism
- The title 'Far From the Madding Crowd' alludes to the idea of escaping the chaos of urban life and finding peace in rural settings.
- Hardy explores the theme of human society and history being influenced by nature and the environment in 'Far From the Madding Crowd'.
- Gabriel Oak exemplifies Hardy's ideal of living in harmony with nature.
- Hardy critiques the superficiality and shallowness of relationships in 'Far From the Madding Crowd'.
- At the beginning of the novel, Hardy depicts Bathsheba as vain, proud, and impulsive.
- Hardy is influenced by the philosophical concept of survival of the fittest in 'Far From the Madding Crowd'.
Test your knowledge on the events that unfold in this chapter of Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy. Explore the interactions between Bathsheba, Gabriel, and Boldwood as their relationships evolve.
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