Analysis of Thomas Hardy's Far From The Madding Crowd

Thomas Hardy

English novelist born in 1840, known for Wessex novels.

Wessex

Imaginary province in Hardy's novels, based on Dorset.

Far from the Madding Crowd

Hardy's first masterpiece published in 1874.

Emma Livinia Gillford

Hardy's wife, married in 1874.

Order of Merit

Honor received by Hardy in 1910.

Poets' Corner

Location in Westminster Abbey where Hardy is buried.

Tess of the d'Urbervilles

Controversial novel published in 1891.

Jude the Obscure

Hardy's final novel, published in 1895.

Self-taught

Hardy never attended university, learned independently.

Nature themes

Hardy's works often explore the beauty of nature.

Folk-lore

Cultural stories that influenced Hardy's writing.

Music influence

Hardy played fiddle, loved traditional folk-tunes.

Architect's office

Where Hardy began his career in 1856.

Literary fame

Established after publishing The Return of the Native.

Poetry focus

Hardy shifted to poetry after 1897.

Contemporary literature

Hardy's works remain significant in modern studies.

Cultural settings

Hardy depicted rural life and country folk.

Elegy written in a Country Churchyard

Poem by Gray, inspired Hardy's book title.

Country life

Hardy's impressions of rural living shaped his narratives.

Literary critics

Scholars increasingly recognize Hardy's literary significance.

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Indicates the text was digitized for accessibility.

Traditional folk-tunes

Musical style that permeated Hardy's literary works.

Burial date

Hardy died in January 1928.

Literary controversy

Hardy's later works sparked debates on morality.

Bathsheba Everdene

Independent-minded protagonist loved by three men.

Gabriel Oak

Honest farmer, Bathsheba's initial love interest.

Farmer Boldwood

Dignified suitor, passionate about Bathsheba.

Sergeant Troy

City-bred antagonist, disrupts pastoral tranquility.

Fanny Robin

Tragic character, suffers due to Troy's actions.

Pastoral atmosphere

Rustic setting contrasting with town life.

Ardent courtship

Boldwood's passionate pursuit of Bathsheba.

St Valentine's Day card

Catalyst for Boldwood's tragic downfall.

Character names

Symbolic names reflecting character traits and fates.

Tragedy

Element introduced through characters' poor choices.

Humour

Light-hearted tone in early chapters, later grim.

Imaginative expression

Hardy's technique to visualize scenes vividly.

Community peace

Restored after Troy's destructive influence ends.

Holy matrimony

Bathsheba and Gabriel's eventual union.

Havoc

Chaos caused by Troy in characters' lives.

Rustic simplicity

Country life depicted as fulfilling and significant.

Character development

Growth and changes in characters throughout the story.

Emotional depth

Hardy's portrayal of strong human emotions.

Classic literature

Far from the Madding Crowd recognized as enduring work.

Visual storytelling

Hardy's ability to create vivid mental images.

Twist of fate

Gabriel's employment as Bathsheba's shepherd.

Unmitigated tragedy

Boldwood's life shattered by Troy's actions.

Significant details

Attention to minute aspects enhances narrative impact.

Cultural commentary

Contrast between rural and urban lifestyles.

Setting

English countryside influences the novel's narrative.

Nature

Symbolizes beauty and destructive power in the story.

Symbolism of Day

Represents honesty during Bathsheba's encounter with Gabriel.

Symbolism of Night

Represents deception during Bathsheba's encounter with Troy.

Thunderstorm

Represents Nature's strength and unpredictability.

Sheep-washing

Example of peaceful pastoral scene in Hardy's writing.

Harvesting

Illustrates the beauty of rural life.

Altruism

Gabriel's selflessness shown during farm fire incident.

Courage

Bathsheba's strength in preparing Troy's body for burial.

Self-control

Bathsheba's composure noted by the doctor.

Compassion

Bathsheba's sympathy for Farmer Boldwood's feelings.

Impulsiveness

Bathsheba's tendency to act without thinking.

Physical Strength

Gabriel's ability to fight fires and work hard.

Misfortune

Gabriel's acceptance of his lower status.

Understanding Nature

Gabriel interprets storm signals to protect Bathsheba.

Romantic Conflict

Bathsheba's struggle between Troy and Gabriel.

Pastoral Scene

Descriptive imagery of rural life in Hardy's work.

Narrative Style

Hardy's poetic style enhances emotional depth.

Resolution

Bathsheba and Gabriel's marriage signifies personal growth.

Liddy Smallbury

Practical country-maid, supports plot development.

Rustic Language

Gabriel's speech reflects rural background.

Troy's Infidelity

Deceives Fanny and Bathsheba, lacks duty.

Boldwood's Obsession

Driven to insanity by love for Bathsheba.

Fanny's Death

Dies in childbirth, symbolizes tragic consequences.

Gabriel's Kindness

Tries to spare Bathsheba's heartache.

Troy's Appearance

Strikingly handsome, uses charm to manipulate.

Boldwood's Dignity

Respected gentleman, disturbed by unrequited love.

Troy's Lifestyle

Comfort-loving dandy, squanders Bathsheba's money.

Fanny's Marriage Failure

Misses wedding due to wrong church.

Boldwood's Patience

Willing to wait seven years for Bathsheba.

Troy's Regret

Realizes mistakes too late, lacks compassion.

Gabriel's Simplicity

Simple-hearted, embodies Hardy's rustic admiration.

Troy's Violence

Roughly handles Bathsheba, incites Boldwood's rage.

Boldwood's Tragedy

Life wasted by obsession, leads to violence.

Fanny's Vulnerability

Represents the plight of women in society.

Joseph Poorgrass

Delays Fanny's coffin, adds to plot tension.

Troy's Deceit

Brazenly deceives Bathsheba into marriage.

Farmer Oak

Main character, a young bachelor farmer.

Gabriel

Farmer Oak's Christian name.

Waggon

A vehicle drawn by horses for transport.

Norcombe Hill

The ridge sloping near Farmer Oak's field.

Waggoner

Person who drives or manages the waggon.

Ornamental spring waggon

Decoratively painted vehicle used for transport.

Crimson jacket

Bright red jacket worn by the attractive woman.

Twenty-eight

Age of Farmer Oak, transitioning to manhood.

Mistiness of views

Farmer Oak's vague thoughts on Sundays.

Leather leggings

Protective clothing worn by Farmer Oak.

Imposing presence

Physical stature that could command attention.

Soft lustre

Gentle shine on the woman's face and hair.

Oblong package

Wrapped item the woman examines in the waggon.

Small looking-glass

Mirror used by the woman to observe herself.

Scarlet glow

Bright red light reflecting on the woman's jacket.