Notes on "Far from the Madding Crowd" (Retold by John Scott)

Chapter 1: Gabriel Oak

Gabriel Oak: A quiet, sensible farmer in Wessex, 28 years old, unmarried.
Character: Good character, attends church on Sundays, and works hard in the fields.
Encounter: Gabriel sees a yellow wagon with a young attractive woman (later revealed as Bathsheba Everdeen) sitting on it.
Toll Gate Incident: Gabriel pays the extra toll for Bathsheba when her driver argues about the fee.
Shepherd's Hut: Gabriel plays the flute at night in his shepherd's hut while caring for his sheep.
Bathsheba's Hat: Gabriel finds and returns Bathsheba's lost hat after spotting her in the field.
Initial Impressions: Gabriel is drawn to Bathsheba's beauty and personality; she does not seem to acknowledge him initially.

Love: Gabriel falls in love with Bathsheba, thinking he must marry her to be happy.
Proposal: Gabriel visits Bathsheba’s aunt to propose marriage and learns that Bathsheba is not currently interested.
Bathsheba's Independence: She values her independence and does not feel ready to marry Gabriel, despite his affection.
Rejection: Bathsheba tells Gabriel that she does not love him, causing him heartache.

Market Scene: Gabriel is looking for work but struggles to find a job.
Shepherd's Advice: Gabriel gives advice during a barn fire to save the crops, impressing Bathsheba, who is now a farm owner.
Job Offer: Bathsheba hires Gabriel as her shepherd, rekindling their relationship.

Fanny Robin: Bathsheba has a concern about Fanny, her maid, who has gone missing.
Boldwood: Bathsheba learns that Mr. Boldwood, her neighbor, is interested in her after he hears about Fanny's disappearance.
Valentine Card: Bathsheba sends a joking Valentine's card to Boldwood, which ignites his feelings for her.

Boldwood's Feelings: Boldwood proposes to Bathsheba, who is conflicted about her feelings and the implications of her previous joke.
Refusal: Bathsheba does not accept Boldwood’s proposal, citing her independence and emotional turmoil.

Arrival of Troy: Bathsheba meets Sergeant Troy, who is charming and handsome. Bathsheba is drawn to him despite her marriage to Boldwood.
Manipulation: Troy's flattery makes Bathsheba forget her commitment to Boldwood.

Troy’s Influence: Troy's charm leads Bathsheba to fall in love with him, creating tension with Boldwood and Gabriel.
Gabriel’s Concern: Gabriel warns Bathsheba about Troy's character, but she dismisses his advice.

Elopement: Bathsheba elopes with Troy, regretting her decision but feeling trapped.
Troy's true nature: Bathsheba realizes that Troy is not the man she thought he was, leading to conflict in their marriage.

Confrontation: Bathsheba discovers Troy's past with Fanny Robin, including the existence of their child.
Jealousy and Regret: Bathsheba becomes consumed with regret and jealousy over Troy's previous relationship.

Death of Fanny Robin: Fanny dies in a workhouse after being abandoned by Troy. Bathsheba feels guilt and sadness.
Troy’s Reaction: Troy is affected by Fanny's death but continues to neglect Bathsheba.

Bathsheba's Resolve: Bathsheba considers her future with Boldwood, who still holds feelings for her despite her marriage to Troy.
The Promise: Bathsheba promises Boldwood that if Troy does not return in six years, she will consider marrying him.

Boldwood's Proposal: Boldwood proposes to Bathsheba at his Christmas party, and she reluctantly agrees to his terms.
Troy's Return: Troy unexpectedly returns, leading to a violent confrontation between him and Boldwood.
Tragedy Unfolds: Boldwood shoots Troy in a fit of rage, leading to an emotional climax.

Aftermath: Bathsheba cares for Troy's body and struggles with her feelings of guilt and loss.
Boldwood’s Fate: Boldwood is imprisoned for murder, while Bathsheba begins to regain control over her life.
Gabriel's Role: Gabriel Oak remains a steadfast presence in Bathsheba's life, ultimately leading to their reunion and marriage.