1. Show how Hardy indicated the passage of time, rarely using actual dates. 2. Discuss how the changing seasons are bound up with the story. 3. Discuss Hardy’s use of biblical, literary, and artistic allusions. 4. Show in what ways Bathsheba’s character changes and in what ways it remains the […]
Read more Study Help Essay QuestionsCritical Essay Hardy’s Philosophy and Ideas
Hardy is primarily a storyteller and should be viewed more as a chronicler of moods and deeds than as a philosopher. Yet a novel such as Far from the Madding Crowd, which raises many questions about society, religion, morals, and the contrast between a good life and its rewards, is […]
Read more Critical Essay Hardy’s Philosophy and IdeasThomas Hardy Biography
“It is the office of good literature, the distinction of classical literature, to give form in every age to the age’s human mind.” Thus critic Lionel Johnson appraised the works of Thomas Hardy, “the English novelist who continues the high tradition of the art, is faithful to the spirit of […]
Read more Thomas Hardy BiographySummary and Analysis Chapter 57
Summary “‘The most private, secret, plainest wedding that it is possible to have.’ Those had been Bathsheba’s words to Oak one evening, some time after the events of the preceding chapter, and he meditated a full hour by the clock upon bow to carry out her wishes to the letter.” […]
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Summary “Bathsheba revived with the spring. The utter prostration that had followed the low fever from which she had suffered diminished perceptibly when all uncertainty upon every subject had come to an end.” In summer, she eventually attempted to walk to town. She passed the church and heard the choir […]
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Summary On a bleak day three months later, a number of people gathered on Yalbury Hill. The high sheriff waited in a carriage. Another carriage arrived carrying the judge of the circuit court; he switched carriages, trumpets flourished, and a procession went into town. Bathsheba’s men discussed their hopes that […]
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Summary Boldwood, walking easily and steadily, arrived at the jail. He rang, said something to the porter in a low tone, and entered. “The door was closed behind him, and he walked the world no more.” When Gabriel heard of the catastrophe, he rushed to Boldwood’s house, arriving some five […]
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Summary A group of men congregated outside of Boldwood’s house, watching the guests arrive and whispering rumors of Troy’s reappearance. They were sure Bathsheba hadn’t heard of it but weren’t sure whether that was a good or bad omen. They sympathized with their mistress. Boldwood came out. Not noticing the […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 53Summary and Analysis Chapter 52
Summary The story builds toward a focal point on Christmas Eve. The chapter is divided into seven parts: Boldwood, surprisingly, had planned a Christmas party. Mistletoe, garlands, and decorations were brought in from the woods, and elaborate preparations were made. Bathsheba was agitated and reluctant to go. She admitted to […]
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Summary Because Poorgrass had suffered a recurrence of his “multiplying eye,” Oak was to drive Bathsheba home. He was still involved in Boldwood’s business, however, and so when Boldwood offered to escort Bathsheba, she accepted, still somewhat alarmed by the incident in the tent. Riding beside her, Boldwood renewed his […]
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