Our book group choice for July 2016 is Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy. Independent and spirited Bathsheba Everdene has come to Weatherbury to take up her position as a farmer on the largest estate in the area.
Far from the Madding Crowd is a novel by Thomas Hardy, first published in 1874. It is set in rural England during the Victorian era and tells the story of Bathsheba Everdene, a young woman who inherits a farm and sets about managing it herself. Along the way, she is courted by three men: Gabriel Oak, a shepherd; William Boldwood, a wealthy farmer; and Sergeant Troy, a handsome soldier.
Bathsheba is a strong-willed and independent woman who is not afraid to speak her mind. She is also fiercely protective of her independence and refuses to marry for anything other than love. This leads to conflict with all three of her suitors, who each have their own ideas about what kind of wife she should be.
Gabriel Oak is the first to fall in love with Bathsheba. He is a kind and gentle man who is devoted to her. However, Bathsheba does not return his feelings at first, and she even rejects his proposal of marriage. Gabriel is heartbroken, but he remains her friend and loyal employee.
William Boldwood is the second man to court Bathsheba. He is a wealthy farmer who is also lonely and desperate for love. Bathsheba is initially flattered by Boldwood’s attention, but she soon realizes that he is too possessive and controlling. She rejects his proposal of marriage, which drives him into a deep depression.
Sergeant Troy is the third and most dangerous man to court Bathsheba. He is a handsome and charming soldier who is also a gambler and a womanizer. Bathsheba is initially attracted to Troy’s charisma, but she soon realizes that he is not the man she thought he was. She marries Troy, but their marriage is quickly troubled by his infidelity and gambling debts.
Far from the Madding Crowd is a complex and engrossing novel that explores themes of love, loss, and redemption. It is a powerful story of a woman who struggles to find her place in a world that is often hostile to independent women. The novel is also a beautifully written portrait of rural England during the Victorian era.
Here are some additional details about the novel:
- The novel is set in the fictional county of Wessex, which is based on Hardy’s own childhood home in Dorset, England.
- The novel was inspired by Hardy’s own experiences of growing up in rural England and by his observations of the lives of women in the Victorian era.
- The novel was a critical and commercial success when it was first published. It has been adapted into several films and television shows, including a 1967 film starring Julie Christie and Terence Stamp.
- Far from the Madding Crowd is considered one of Hardy’s greatest novels. It is a classic of English literature that continues to be read and enjoyed by readers today.
Discussion Questions for Far From the Madding Crowd
- How did you find the experience of reading the novel?
- Maybe we could go round the table and talk about one memorable incident or character that sticks in the mind for whatever reason, good or ill?
- What do you think Hardy was trying to say about marriage in the novel?
- Whether Hardy meant you to or not, who do you most sympathise with as a character?
- Let’s discuss class! Who do you think is at the top of the hierarchy and who at the bottom?
- Is Gabriel’s first assessment of Bathsheba (Vanity) accurate for the whole book? If not does she change?
- Is Bathsheba’s first assessment of Gabriel (he is not good enough for her and too weak) similarly accurate? If not, does he change?
- Frank and Boldwood – does ‘love for Bathsheba’ bring out the worst in them? Are we supposed to think it is her fault?
- If Bathsheba had accepted Gabriel’s first proposal, a lot of pain would have been avoided, or would it?
- Would you recommend it?
- Let’s cast a new film!
Individual Ratings
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