About the Author:
Thomas Hardy (2 June 1840
– 11 January 1928) was an English novelist and poet. A Victorian realist in
the tradition of George Eliot, he was influenced both in his novels and in his
poetry by Romanticism, including the poetry of William Wordsworth. He
was highly critical of much in Victorian society, especially on the
declining status of rural people in Britain such as those from his native South
West England. While Hardy wrote poetry throughout his life and regarded himself
primarily as a poet, his first collection was not published until 1898.
Initially, he gained fame as the author of novels such as “Far from the Madding
Crowd” (1874), “The Mayor of Casterbridge” (1886), “Tess of the d’Urbervilles”
(1891) and “Jude the Obscure” (1895).
“Far from the Madding Crowd” was written
by Thomas Hardy in 1874. It was his fourth book and his first big success as a
writer. It was first published in secret as a monthly serial in Cornhill
Magazine, where a lot of people read it. The book will be remembered for a long
time. In 2003, The Big Read, a BBC survey, put the book at number 48. In 2007,
The Guardian put it at number 10 on their list of the best love stories of all
time. The book has also been turned into a play more than once, including John
Schlesinger’s Oscar-nominated 1967 movie.
The emotional weight of unrequited love
often becomes the central conflict or, at the very least, an important plot
point of numerous novels. In “Far from the Madding Crowd” the entire plot
revolves around characters’ feelings being rejected. The stark contrast between
the harsh reality and the peaceful setting of the novel makes the realization
of rejection particularly striking.
Meaning of madding crowd
The title comes from Thomas Gray’s famous
18th-century poem “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard”. By making a
reference to Gray’s poem, Hardy brings to mind the rural culture which was in danger of dying out because of ruthless
industrialization. His book is about how important it is for people to be
connected to and understand the natural world. Gabriel Oak is Hardy’s idea of a
person who lives in balance with the forces of nature.
Far from the Madding Crowd themes
Love
Bathsheba tries to learn what love is and
what sort of guy deserves her affection throughout the narrative. Each suitor
represents a distinct love. Boldwood delivers a strong, obsessive love that
operates like ownership; he attempts to purchase her affection with luxury
products and promises of sharing his
wealth. Troy’s sexually driven love is short-lived and not based on long-term
commitment or compatibility. Gabriel provides her a modest, unassuming, yet
constant and trustworthy affection. Bathsheba develops and realises Gabriel is
her true love.
Independence
Bathsheba is keen to express her
independence; she knows many people feel she needs a spouse to assist with the
farm since she’s a woman. When Gabriel proposes, Bathsheba says she only wants
to marry for love. She manages her own farm as an independent lady through her
hard work and intelligence. Bathsheba’s dream of independence is a delusion, as
she dependens on Gabriel the whole time. If he had abandoned her or refused to
support her through situations like poisoned sheep or the harvest supper storm,
she may have been devastated.
Deceit
Deceit is a major issue since dishonest
persons cause problems. Bathsheba starts a fatal chain of events by mailing
Boldwood a valentine and misrepresenting her sentiments. Later, Troy constantly
tricks Bathsheba. When he returns from America, he disguises his identity at
the fair. Deception can be severe, but it always has bad effects, proving that
honesty and integrity are the keys to a successful existence.
Reliability
Gabriel represents reliability. He is
always there to help, even when Bathsheba mistreats him. Gabriel’s personal and
professional dependability are rewarded at the end of the tale. His dedication
to the Everdene farm permits him to lease Boldwood’s land. Bathsheba recognises
his love and marries him. Gabriel is reliable since he’s humble and generous.
Boldwood is likewise dedicated to Bathsheba, but he insists on possessing her
instead of being willing to love and serve her even if she doesn’t value his
sentiments.
Fate
While the work addresses moral choices and
repercussions, it is evident that everything is not in individual’s control.
Many characters are governed by fate and unable to escape certain situations.
Gabriel makes all the proper moves to develop his profession in the beginning
of the narrative, but a single occurrence destroys him. Bathsheba moves from
impoverished to affluent heiress. Gabriel and Bathsheba and Bathsheba and Troy
meet by coincidence. These show that human lives are shaped by factors beyond
their control.
Nature
Nature is a prominent subject in the story
because the plot depends on time, seasons, and farm life. Growing and
harvesting crops and sheep reproduction help the protagonists make a living.
Gabriel’s success as a farmer originates from his ability to stay in sync with
nature; other people, like Troy, disregard or abuse nature.
Patience
Patience is rewarded despite being
difficult to achieve. Gabriel isn’t scared to start afresh and slowly advance
his profession. Slowly and carefully doing agricultural tasks maintains quality
and the farm’s long-term success. He remains faithful to Bathsheba despite her rejection
and her love for another man. Bathsheba is impulsive and lacks patience, but
she comes to enjoy a slower pace.
Conclusion
“Far from the Madding Crowd” ends, like lot of comedies, with a wedding between two
people who have always belonged together. Hardy gives this kind of ending by
pointing out that Bathsheba likes Gabriel more than she loves him.
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