Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy - Lecture Notes

Chapter 1: Gabriel Oak

• Gabriel Oak: 28 years old, sensible, unmarried farmer.
• Observes a young woman on a wagon with furniture as she rides towards Emminster.
  • She is attractive, refusing to pay an extra toll at the gate.
  • Gabriel pays her toll, prompting her to thank him indirectly by instructing the driver to move on.
• At midnight, Gabriel plays flute in his wooden shepherd's hut, caring for 200 sheep and dogs.
• Gabriel finds a newborn lamb and later sees the same young woman, recognized as Bathsheba Everdeen, in a nearby cow shed.

Chapter 2: Bathsheba

• Gabriel becomes enamored with Bathsheba, frequently thinking about her.
• He visits her aunt's farmhouse to propose but learns Bathsheba is not interested in marriage.
• Bathsheba expresses independence and desire for a strong husband.
• Gabriel’s proposal is rejected because Bathsheba does not love him.
• Bathsheba leaves for Weatherbury, increasing Gabriel's longing for her.

Chapter 3: The Fire

• Gabriel attends the market in Casterbridge, looking for a job.
• While resting in a wagon, he wakes to find a fire threatening the farm.
• Demonstrates resourcefulness by helping extinguish the fire.
• Bathsheba arrives on horseback, and Gabriel recognizes her once more.

Chapter 4: A Valentine

• Gabriel Oak's new role as Bathsheba’s shepherd is established.
• Bathsheba begins to gain attention from Mr. Boldwood, her neighbor.
• Bathsheba playfully sends a Valentine card to Boldwood, igniting his serious feelings towards her.
• Boldwood becomes infatuated, interpreting the card as a proposal.

Chapter 5: Mr. Boldwood's Proposal

• Boldwood proposes marriage to Bathsheba, who hesitantly accepts to think about it.
• Bathsheba struggles internally as she considers her independence.
• Meanwhile, Bathsheba continues her complicated feelings between Gabriel and Boldwood.

Chapter 6: Sergeant Troy

• Bathsheba encounters Sergeant Frank Troy, who is charming yet has a questionable reputation.
• Bathsheba is torn between her feelings for Troy and the stability of marrying Boldwood.
• A flirtation develops between Bathsheba and Troy, complicating her life further.

Chapter 7: Keep Him Away from Me

• Gabriel Oak warns Bathsheba about Troy’s character.
• Bathsheba brushes off Gabriel’s concerns, feeling drawn to Troy.

Chapter 8: The Storm

• Bathsheba and Gabriel work together during a storm to protect the sheep.
• Bathsheba reveals she married Troy out of jealousy.

Chapter 9: The Lock of Hair

• Bathsheba learns of Fanny Robin’s death and the truth about her relationship with Troy.
• Bathsheba struggles with her feelings of inadequacy compared to Fanny.

Chapter 10: You’re Nothing to Me

• Bathsheba discovers the depth of Troy’s feelings for Fanny when he coldly rejects her.
• Troy’s manipulative nature becomes evident as he disregards Bathsheba’s feelings.

Chapter 11: A Promise from Bathsheba

• Bathsheba becomes reclusive following her tumultuous relationship with Troy.
• Boldwood becomes increasingly hopeful for Bathsheba’s affection.

Chapter 12: Death at Christmas

• Tensions culminate at Boldwood’s Christmas party when Troy unexpectedly returns.
• Boldwood's jealousy leads to a tragic conclusion with Troy’s murder.

Chapter 13: Marry Me

• Gabriel Oak’s steadfastness becomes apparent as he supports Bathsheba after the tragedy.
• Bathsheba and Gabriel finally acknowledge their feelings for each other, leading to their marriage.