Works of Thomas Hardy discussion
Far from the Madding Crowd
>
Far From the Madding Crowd 6th Thread Chapter 48 - 57
Mod
All I can find is a Thomas Bailey Aldritch, editor of the Atlantic Monthly, with whom Thomas Hardy was in correspondence in 1882 (8 years after the first serialisation of Far From the Madding Crowd). Aldritch had written to commission a novel for serialisation in the Boston magazine and Thomas Hardy had agreed to supply one.
It has quite an interesting context, as an American reader had issued a challenge of plagiarism in The Trumpet-Major at that time. Again it concerned a drill-scene, but since Thomas Hardy had never seen the Georgia publication it mirrored, it seemed a mystery. In fact a third book was involved. It's too complicated and off-topic to describe fully here really ...
However, because Thomas Bailey Aldritch had trusted Thomas Hardy and not withdrawn his support, maybe this name change was a small "thank you" in his later edition? 😊 Just my musing ...
Mod
Boldwood walked to Casterbridge Gaol, and was incarcerated there for 2 weeks until he was pardoned at the last minute (pure melodrama!) Gabriel Oak even saw the scaffold being erected.
This gaol is based on Dorchester Prison which had been built in 1795, on the site of a Norman Castle, and was finally closed in 2013. There were plans to build housing on the site, but they have stalled. There are currently guided tours round it, as part of the dark tourism trade.
Thomas Hardy put this gaol into many of his short stories and novels: two we have read where it was featured are Tess of the D’Urbervilles and The Three Strangers. It is now often associated with him. The reason for his fascination is that as a sixteen year old, Thomas Hardy had climbed into a tree outside the gaol in Dorchester and witnessed the hanging of Martha Browne in 1856. She was the last woman to be hanged publicly in Dorset and the memory of it stayed with Thomas Hardy all his life.
By 1868 the spectacle of public hangings had become so repugnant that public opinion and campaigners, including Charles Dickens, brought about its end. Thereafter, including at the time of the Far From the Madding Crowd serial, hanging took place within the walls of prison.
The workers would wait for an external sign to show that Boldwood's execution had gone ahead, as a black flag would be flown, although this practise would end in 1902.
It's difficult to find articles without spoilers, but this one is free from them, and shows what the prison looks like even now. It is quite an arresting sight to come across as you drive or walk through the centre of Dorchester! https://www.dorchestercivicsociety.or...
This shorter one is also OK and talks of the plans https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england...
and this personal view of the guided tours is spoiler-free and has great photos, such as this one of the main entrance https://www.theurbanexplorer.co.uk/do...
And here is the official site - but beware of a SPOILER if you have not read Tess of the D’Urbervilles https://www.gloucester-prison.co.uk/d...
For what it's worth, the 3 hours conveniently gave Bathsheeba time to move Boldwood to her place, prepare the body, arrabge and light the candles, etc. And I suspect every minute was needed.
Mod
We can see the strings being pulled here, but it still makes for a nail-biting melodramatic story; just what the public wanted 😊
Jean: Yes, I agree with you that this is a nail-biting melodramatic story. I’m loving it as much as Hardy’s original audience did. It reminds me a little of a soap opera but then wasn’t that kind of the point of the serial? If we think about it by 1930, (give or take a couple of years) there would be a soap opera on a wireless. I don’t want to stray too far from Hardy’s purpose here, but perhaps popular stories like this paved the way.
Mod
Mod
This is fascinating isn't it? My editions say Bathsheba and Gabriel Oak, but I remember in the same editions Troy asks if there is any insanity in Boldwood's family (and we discussed this a little). So I then assumed Thomas Hardy had not counted Troy, and that his comment must have been a flippant and sarcastic one, in keeping with his role as dastardly villain.
Now though it's not clear at all! Thanks Bridget for yet another conundrum 😊
Great discussion on that change in the edition. Its odd to say it of anyone without saying perhaps, "on looking back ..." which because of Troy's death would be Bathsheba and Gabriel. Thanks for bringing up the earlier comment from Troy, Bridget. I agree I tought it was said sarcastically and was not meant seriously, but then in your earlier version of the story, Hardy did say Troy. Very strange.
I'm not sure if it's in other editions, but the text of my copy says directly that Oak does not think Boldwood is insane:"'Do ye think he really was out of his mind when he did it?' said Smallbury.
'I can't honestly say that I do,' Oak replied."
And later, in my edition:
"Gabriel's anxiety was great that Boldwood might be saved, even though in his conscience he felt that he ought to die . . . ."
Mod
That's why it is surprising there was a reprieve. Perhaps it was judged to be "temporary insanity" although if so, I think it is compassionate rather than truthful.
We have no death sentence now, but I do wonder what would happen in the present day. "Life imprisonment" and out in 10 years perhaps.
Mod
Boldwood walked to Casterbridge Gaol, and was incarcerated there for 2 weeks until he was pardoned at the last minute (pure melodrama!) Gabriel Oak even saw the scaffold bein..."
Jean these are wonderful links to the Dorchester Prison! Thank you for posting them. I can't believe a company thought about turning them into flats. I don't think I'd like living in an old prison.
But then I read through the comments section of the "urban explorer" link, and there were quite a few ex-inmates writing comments about what a "cushy nick" it was. And how it's a shame its not in use anymore. I don't think I've ever heard an prison inmate being nostalgic for the building where he served his time. fascinating!
Mod
I know! It looks grim enough, but it was almost like they were sharing school memories! (I too remember sitting shivering on the pipes when it was snowing outside.) Well I hope the inmates did indeed have a "brighter future".😊
Mod
Yes! The writing on those stairs about a brighter future was hilarious!!
Okay everyone, get ready. Today we are on the second to last chapter only one more to go!
Mod
With the spring, Bathsheba begins to recover. One evening in August she visits the graveyard, where she reads Fanny’s tombstone. She has added a new inscription saying the remains of Francis Troy lie in the same grave.
Bathsheba listens to the choir practicing a somber hymn, she begins to cry, expressing her grief which seems more like a luxury than a punishment to her now. She sees Gabriel and they avoid discussing the Christmas tragedy. Hesitatingly, Gabriel says he’s thinking of leaving England next spring. Surprised and disappointed, she asks why. Gabriel stammers that he’s thought of California, and that he has reasons to decline to manage Boldwood’s farm.
Bathsheba cries that she can’t do without Gabriel, she's helpless without him. But Gabriel says that’s why he feels obliged to go. Anxiously, he leaves. Now Bathsheba is troubled in a new way, pained that the one person who’s always remained on her side is abandoning her.
As the weeks go on, Gabriel’s lack of interest in her or her affairs becomes more evident. Bathsheba starts to think he despises her. Christmas arrives, Bathsheba receives a formal letter from Gabriel saying he will be gone by Lady Day. She sits and cries bitterly,
Bathsheba resolves to visit Gabriel’s home. He’s surprised to see her. She stammers that she feels she’s offended him and couldn’t let him leave on that account. He tells her that’s not the case—in fact, he’s not going to emigrate, only take over the Lower Farm.
He adds that he would continue to watch over Bathsheba’s farm, were it not for what’s being said about them; which is that he has been waiting around with the idea of marrying Bathsheba. Bathsheba looks alarmed, she begins to say it would be absurd, but quickly interrupts herself to say “too soon” to think of that. Gabriel agrees that it’s “too absurd,” though Bathsheba stammers that she said too soon. He corrects her, but with tears in her eyes, she insists she didn’t say that, and he must believe her.
Gabriel looks into Bathsheba’s face, with tender surprise, and says if he only knew whether he might marry her after all. But she says he never asks—and he ought not to have sent that harsh, cruel letter. Laughing, now, Gabriel says that as an unmarried man managing her affairs he had to watch over his position, especially since people knew how he felt about her—it hasn’t been easy for him. Bathsheba cries that she’s glad she came, though it’s as if she’d come to court him! Gabriel accompanies her home, and they speak little of their feelings: their affection doesn’t need pretty phrases. Instead, it is the relationship that comes from knowing each other’s worse aspects first, and better character only later.
Mod
The church hymns reach her on a deep emotional level and she begins to cry. And circumstance (or fate) throws her into Gabriel’s path as he makes his way to the church. They haven’t seen much of each other lately, because of her grief and solitude. But she is still deeply moved when she learns he might leave. She is maybe starting to think she is far from indifferent when it comes to Gabriel.
But the dance between these two is extended, because Gabriel pulls further away from her as he prepares to leave. Eventually, Bathsheba begins to realize she was never really alone, because Gabriel was always there supporting her. After receiving his formal letter severing their business relationship, Bathsheba finally swallows her pride, and goes to talk with him before it’s too late and he’s gone.
For the first time since he last proposed to Bathsheba, Gabriel again brings up the possibility of marrying her, and again refers to his feelings for her. It now seems that this is what Bathsheba has been waiting for all the while—even if her “dreadful thought” acknowledges the inescapable social and economic gap between them. Nonetheless, the narrator suggests that complete, profound knowledge of another person, with all his or her faults and personal history, can be enough to supersede such differences, perhaps even allowing for an end to guilt and penance.
Ack--I sure picked a bad time to be gone for a couple of days, but I'm caught up now! A big thank you to Bridget for such excellent summaries, and Jean for the background and local details. I have so much to say after reading all of these posts, but will keep my thoughts under wraps until we finish, and stay with this chapter.I loved the two full circles: Troy back with Fanny, and Bathsheba swallowing her pride to visit Gabriel as he originally did with her.
I also love how Bathsheba "slips" and says marrying Gabriel would be "absurd." I think it's interesting how sometimes, especially when we're nervous, we slip and say what we really think, but sometimes we slip and say the opposite of what we think. I loved the little back and forth on this. How beautifully you explain it, Bridget, at the end of your last post!
Mod
A. "'Do ye think he really was out of his mind when he did it?' said Smallbury.
'I can't honestly say that I do,' Oak replied." followed by:
B. "Gabriel's anxiety was great that Boldwood might be saved, even though in his conscience he felt that he ought to die . . ."
These two inconsistent views by Gabriel Oak within the same chapter have also been highlighted by various Thomas Hardy scholars. Simon Gatrell says that B. had been altered, perhaps by Leslie Stephen from the earlier:
C. "Gabriel's anxiety was great that he paced up and down, pausing at every turn and straining his ear for a sound."
Simon Gatrell theorises that it was the editor's Grundyism to replace it with B, and considers it a "kind of patronising by Gabriel of Boldwood which is thoroughly nasty". Strange ... I didn't see it like that at all, whoever had made the changes, but I can see that it would be more acceptable to the readers who preferred a moral tone and considered some of this novel to be "indecent".
In the same ch 55, Robert C. Schweik says it was Thomas Hardy's own edit to change the name to Troy, in the Wessex edition (which is the one most often read now). Again, he also says that:
"... even though later in the same chapter he has Oak say that he does not think Boldwood was insane. The change certainly created an inconsistency; but many of Hardy's other late revisions made clear that he was intent on strengthening Oak's chapter, and this revision does attribute to Oak a somewhat greater insight and keenness of perception that Hardy no doubt thought important".
(I'm feeling a bit better about agreeing with it now 😂! I'm so glad I'm not "patronising and nasty" ...
Also - I have not yet found confirmation about my idea of the surgeon's change of name to "Aldritch" being a tribute by Thomas Hardy to a helpful new editor, but live in hope!)
Mod
I wonder if many others are exercising self-discipline, sticking to our timetable and resisting the temptation to finish! I know I am, and am loving the extra depth of reading I gain 😊
Just one thing to share about today's chapter 56.
In the final correspondence with Leslie Stephen on 25th August 1874 about the serial, the editor says:
"My dear Mr Hardy,
I will speak about the November proof tomorrow. I saw nothing to alter, unless that it seemed to me in one of two cases that your rustics - specially Oak - speak rather too good English towards the end. They seem to drop the dialect a little. But of this you are the best judge.
You have, I am sure, no cause to be nervous about the book in any way.
Yours in haste,
L. Stephen"
So do we think this is true? My first thought was that if it is true then it would be a deliberate attempt by Thomas Hardy to make Gabriel Oak more on a social par with Bathsheba, who (despite her modest upbringing) has always seemed to speak R.P (received pronunciation) with no discernible Dorset accent or use of dialect.
We know that Gabriel has risen to be of the same social standing, just as he was at the start of the novel. He is shortly to become a tenant farmer in his own right, taking over Boldwood's farm and rented property, and also that he has improved his clothes recently. It would be logical for Thomas Hardy to also "improve" his speech at this point. It was subtly done if so, as I feel Gabriel Oak has adapted his mode of speech a little throughout, according to who he is with, (as we all do to some extent).
I did feel that he was much more confident though, even calling her "Bathsheba" by name as soon as she arrived at his cottage, and before he knew why she was there. I also liked what Kathleen pointed out, that their roles are reversed, as she "visit[s] Gabriel as he originally did with her."
It's interesting how hymns can evoke a strong emotional response, even among (blush) unbelievers. With Hardy, I think it goes back to the importance of the church in his childhood, and I can absolutely relate to that. He *wants* to believe, but it's just not there.
Loved this chapter because it shows Bathsheba stripped of so many hinderances that kept her from really following her heart. And now it is Gabriel who has to look beyond recent history and remain true to his feelings.When I read the line about him considering leaving and possibly going to America, I despaired a bit but I think it was that discussion which helped Bathsheba realize what was true and it was her relationship with Gabriel that she needed and really wanted. FINALLY!!
Bridget: Wonderful summary, thank you! Jean: I’m resisting temptation and I’m waiting to read the last chapter tomorrow.
I was struck by the lyrics of the church hymn in the background:
“I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears, Pride ruled my will: remember not past years.”
It continues with: “Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile,
Is this a real hymn? Anyway, uh hmmm. I think Hardy, the poet, is throwing out subliminal messages to Gabriel and Bathsheba. 🙂
It is a real poem hymn/poem titled, “Lead, Kindly Light”. The lyrics just happen to apply to Bathsheba and Gabriel. BTW, I only have my phone app today and if this was already discussed, I do apologize for the repeat. Having technical difficulties on my end.
I liked the last paragraph of today's chapter about how they were good friends as well as having romantic feelings for each other. It gave a sense that they were going to start off their married life on solid ground in spite of all the tragedy that had occurred.
Mod
'I can't honestly say that I do,' Oak replied." followed by:
B. "Gabriel's anxiety was great tha...
These two inconsistent views by Gabriel Oak within the same chapter have also been highlighted by various Thomas Hardy scholars."
I knew about these changes, but not that scholars have had things to say about them. I agree with you Jean, I don't see patronizing or nastiness from Gabriel here. I prefer version "C"
C. "Gabriel's anxiety was great that he paced up and down, pausing at every turn and straining his ear for a sound."
because I think it heightens the tension for the reader as we are all waiting for news of Boldwood.
Mod
.."
It's funny, you bring this up, because I was just thinking this morning about how Gabriel doesn't talk like a "rustic", and how that makes me feel like he's more of an equal match for Bathsheba then his class status indicates, or at least his class before he becomes a tenant farmer.
I thought there was mention early on in the novel of Gabriel having a habit of reading books. Does anyone else remember that, or am I imagining something that never happened??
Mod
Thank you for the compliment, Kathleen :-). I also liked your idea of everything coming full circle, I think that's spot on.
And like you I loved the back and forth between Gabriel and Bathsheba. Very well written, I thought. And like Connie says "It gave a sense that they were going to start off their married life on solid ground in spite of all the tragedy that had occurred".
Mod
Pamela, I think you are onto something significant about Bathsheba's personality here. It seems to me the easiest way to win Bathsheba's heart, is to play "hard to get".
Mod
Keith - I have found the same to be true of hymns/songs/melodies evoking strong emotions in me as well. And I'm sure you are right in your thoughts about Hardy as well.
Lori, thank you so much for taking the time discover Hardy is using a real hymn (and all from your phone - I know how difficult GR can be to navigate on a phone!!). Along the lines of what Keith was posting, I bet that hymn came from somewhere in Hardy's past, if not his childhood.
Well, everyone, it's time to move onto the final chapter!! Off we go-----------
Mod
Bathsheba tells Gabriel that she wants a private, secret, plain wedding. A few nights later he sneaks out to fetch a license, and meets Coggan, whom he decides to trust with the secret that he and Bathsheba are getting married the next morning. He wouldn’t have wanted secrecy, but circumstances make a loud wedding inappropriate. Bathsheba doesn’t want the whole parish ogling her.
Laban Tall, is the new clerk of the parish, and when Gabriel goes to seek his services for the wedding, Coggan fears that Susan Tall (Laban’s wife) will spread the news around everywhere before morning. Coggan comes up with a plan. He’ll ask to speak to Laban outside the door—his wife will never guess. But Tall isn’t at home, so Coggan makes up a story about a farm share agreement, saying it’s vital that Laban come to witness it at the church the next morning.
Bathsheba, meanwhile is too excited to sleep. She wakes Liddy at six to give her hair a brushing. Only then does she tell Liddy about the wedding. Liddy exclaims in joy. Near ten, Gabriel knocks on Bathsheba’s door, and the two move through the mist and fog with umbrellas to the church yard, arm in arm for the first time in their lives. In the church are Tall, Liddy, and the parson, and the deed is soon accomplished
That evening the couple sits down to tea in Bathsheba’s parlor, where they’ve decided to live. Just then they hear a cannon and trumpets: they go to the porch and hear a great clang of instruments: Mark Clark and Jan Coggan have enlisted the village to perform. Clark wishes long life to the couple, and Gabriel thanks them. The others tease him for the naturalness with which he says, “my wife”. Bathsheba smiles (she doesn’t laugh much anymore) and their friends turn to go.
Mod
The plans Oak and Coggan cook up to avoid Susan Tall’s inclination to gossip were a great comic touch within a more serious romantic mode.
And after so much pain and suffering at Weatherby, it was nice for Liddy to now have a chance to rejoice at a piece of information from her mistress.
The wedding contrasts sharply to the drunken harvest supper over which Troy reigned. Given all that she’s experienced, Bathsheba doesn’t feel like she has the right to such celebration. She is a much more subdued person now. Compare her attitude in this chapter, to her views of weddings in Chapter 4:
“I have tried hard all the time I’ve been thinking; for a marriage would be very nice in one sense. People would talk about me, and think I had won my battle, and I should feel triumphant, and all that.”
And a few sentences later . . . .
“Well, what I mean is that I shouldn’t mind being a bride at a wedding, if I could be one without having a husband. But since a woman can’t show off in that way by herself, I shan’t marry—at least yet.’
In contrast, Bathsheba refuses grand ceremonies and celebrations. There is a sense now that she wants to continue to pay a price for her actions. She doesn't laugh, but only smiles. She's not the same girl who rode bareback in the third chapter. But then she did say in chapter 4 "I want somebody to tame me; I am too independent".
The story’s happy ending is mitigated to a certain extent by the deaths that will continue to hang over her head, not to mention Boldwood’s lifelong imprisonment. But the villagers’ joviality allows the book to end on an upward, more comic bent, reflecting the dual tragic and comic bent of the novel.
Mod
Went up the hill side
With that sort of stride
A man puts out when walking in search of a bride,
Quoted from “Patty Morgan the Milkmaid’s Story” in the first series of R.H. Barham’s collection of narrative poems “The Ingoldsby Legends” (1840-47)
As though a rose should shut and be a bud again - from John Keats poem The Eve of St. Agnes (1820). The romantic medievalism of Keat’s poem sharply contrasts with this sadder-but-wiser marriage.
victories of Marlborough - the first Duke of Marlborough, General John Churchill (1650-1722), led victorious British troops against the French under Louis XIV at Blenheim (1704), Ramillies (1706) and Oudenaarde (1708).
"Hosea in my scripture manner which is my second nature, ‘Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone’" - Hosea 4-5 tells of God’s threat to destroy all the ‘children of Israel’ if they don’t obey him – including Ephraim: ‘Ephraim is joined to idols’ and possesses ‘the spirit of whoredoms’, he will therefore be ‘oppressed and broken’. I’m guessing here, Poorgrass is tongue and cheek referring to Gabriel Oak being ‘oppressed and broken’, by being a married man, but also being very happily broken.
I'm always a little bit sad when I finish a read like this. But we still have more time together to discuss this last chapter and anything else still on your mind. :-)
Bridget wrote: "Keith wrote: "It's interesting how hymns can evoke a strong emotional response, even among (blush) unbelievers. With Hardy, I think it goes back to the importance of the church in his childhood, an..."It's a hymn I know very well to the tune Sandon, and one of my favorites.
Mod
Yes, it's in chapter 8, when Gabriel has been taken on a shepherd by Bathsheba, and he is moving his things from Norcombe. We learn that he has a library - a small selection of books - but all were important for his needs. Here they are:
The Young Man's Best Companion, “The Farrier’s Sure Guide”, “The Veterinary Surgeon”, Paradise Lost, The Pilgrim's Progress, Robinson Crusoe, The new and complete dictionary of the English language : To which is prefixed, a comprehensive grammar / By John Ash. Volume v.2 1775 Leather Bound , and Walkingame's improved arithmetic; for the use of schools. Put into a more easy, useful, concise, and methodical form, than any extant. The first edition.
Right at the start Gabriel is determined to make a good farmer, but when he loses his sheep and has to sell everything, (even adopting a shepherd's smock rather than his farmer's or bailiff's clothes) he keeps his books! 😊
Mod
Yes, and the most obvious example of that was when the eyes of everyone at the Old Corn Exchange were fixed on her when she commenced her trading as a new farmer ... except for one man: Boldwood. And we all know what Bathsheba did about that 🙄
Mod
It is written very much in the tone of the first chapter, and all the Norcombe chapters really: a welcome retun to Thomas Hardy's light, pastoral style. The characters too are written in a light-hearted way, with very little of the author's personal judgements and edicts coming through.
I loved the humour! We revisit some of the comic rustic characters such as Laban Tall's wife, and I was so pleased that Gabriel shared his secret with the one person he had trusted as a friend before: Jan Coggan. And of course Coggan managed to spin a likely yarn, and flatter her, which caused no harm, but honest Gabriel would never have been able to invent.
There were so many echoes and reminders, such as Mark Clark saying that they would prefer to have something to celebrate at Warren's malthouse. This reminds us of the scene where Gabriel Oak made his first appearance at Bathsheba's farm, organising everybody to put out the fire. It "tops and tails" this section. Also, we are conscious of the difference between Gabriel Oak's first speech to the farm workers, compared with Troy's false bonhomie. Gabriel speaks to them as part of their community: as old friends, which by now they are.
I loved the inclusion of the band, the instruments all so close to Thomas Hardy's heart (a "hautboy" is an oboe, by the way) just as the hymn tunes in yesterday's chapter were. Keith and Laurel are so right about the power and emotional pull - and added nostalgia - of music.
Mod
All these details I had forgotten and it has been such a treat to discover them as Thomas Hardy intended, a bit at a time, with friends. As Lori said, everyone would have been talking about the latest installment of the exciting serial! We may not have spent a whole year reading it, as they did, but we have got fairly close for modern readers!
Thank you enormously to Bridget, for facilitating this, and all your fantastic posts! It has been such a treat for me to "slow down" and enjoy the thrilling second half with you.
This re-read of the book (after so many decades) has been a wonderful reading experience for me; and I've gained a LOT of new understanding, insight, and background knowledge from following along on these discussion threads. Hearty thanks to both Jean and Bridget for all the work they've put into making this experience possible for all of us, and for all of the enrichment they've brought to it!Since book reviews should be based on a read of the whole book, not just part of it, we've now arrived at the point where it's appropriate to share our reviews of this one. For anyone who may be interested (and hasn't run across it already) my five-star review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... . (Maybe others in the group will want to link to their reviews as well.)
As I indicated earlier in the discussion, I have other comments I can make, but didn't want to at the time (to avoid spoilers, or to keep from bogging us down when we needed to move on). Barring any unexpected changes of plans, I'll be leaving early on Monday for a vacation during which I'll be offline, and won't return until Friday afternoon. My weekends also tend to be busy; but I'll try to post again here on Sunday afternoon if I can!
I enjoyed this read so much as well, and Bridget and Jean, you added so much! I especially appreciated the knowledge of the different editions and the pictures and background material! I wouldn't have gotten half as much out of the book if I had read it alone.But about the final chapter . . . .
This final chapter is a beautiful one . . . and intriguing as well. The occasion and conclusion are joyous indeed, but there's some nuance too. Bathsheba is chastened; we're told she "never laughed readily now," but both her and Gabriel are clearly extremely happy to be together.
I loved how the townsfolk saluted her using the "remaining relics of the true and original Weatherbury band . . . which had celebrated in their own persons the victories of Marlborough," With that touch of history played through the common people, it's as though tradition and even the land itself comes to give the couple its blessing. And in that vein, it's fitting that the book concludes on the words of one of those common men, the flawed and foolish but usually well-intended Joseph Poorgrass.
But Poorgrass' words themselves are curious ones. When he says, "it might have been worse", it reminds me again of the Greek chorus that others in the group have mentioned - the chorus here is commenting finally on all that has happened. Much has been suffered by Bathsheba, Gabriel, and others, but it could have been worse.
It's an interesting choice though to end on this somewhat disturbing warning to Ephraim and the children of Israel in their dabbling with idols. But this is coming from Poorgrass of course, and throughout the book, he's been quoting the bible with humorous mistakes and mischaracterizations; so the warning has a twist of irony.
I wonder why Hardy chose to end on these precise lines with this warning steeped in irony and softened with humor?
After thinking about it, I kind of like that it ends on the perpetually confused Poorgrass' muddling of scripture. It doesn't feel wrong to end on a moment of human foible, given all that has happened, even though it seems likely that a slightly chastened Bathsheba and a grateful Oak will be able to find much happiness together.
Well this was a very satisfying end to the story. I felt the tragic/comic mix that you highlighted, Bridget. And, Jean, what you say about putting Gabriel center stage and letting Bathsheba take a background role at the end was so striking, but yes, fitting.Hardy always intrigues me with what he does with his characters. They may have confused us sometimes, but looking back, I think they were appropriately complex. Sometimes we have been able to see him not just puzzling over his thoughts on religion and fate, but also grappling with how to get his characters where he wants them to be for his story, and trying to keep his audience happy. But while we have sometimes commented on seeing through to how these strings are pulled, the reason it works for me with Hardy is the very thing many of us have noticed--the unpredictability of the characters (well, maybe not Gabriel!). This feels very real to me, that people change over time, and sometimes right in front of our eyes. So I'm okay with Hardy changing his characters as he needs to tell his story because he created changeable characters, if that makes sense.
Mod
Yes, it's in chapter 8, when Gabriel has been tak..."
Thank you Jean for finding the list of Gabriel's books! I didn't imagine it at all LOL.
I always thought Gabriel cherishing books like this set him apart from others (Coggan, Clark and Poorgrass).
Bionic Jean wrote: "Bridget said: "Pamela, I think you are onto something significant about Bathsheba's personality here. It seems to me the easiest way to win Bathsheba's heart, is to play "hard to get"."Yes, and t..."
Which makes total sense in how Bathsheba responded to Gabriel when he encouraged her to marry Boldwood and didn't put forward his own feelings. This seems to be a theme we have seen in many romantic comedies (at least I think I've seen it before). Good thing Bathsheba finally admitted her own feelings!
Bionic Jean wrote: "It's a pretty near perfect chapter, mirroring the first chapter, again putting Gabriel Oak squarely centre stage, and wisely downplaying Bathsheba.All these details I had forgotten and it has bee..."
Oh my goodness, your are right, Jean! I don't think Bathsheba speaks at all in this last chapter! Must be because she has found the place where she should have been all along. Amazing that this whole tale really only happened over a few years ... earlier it felt like decades!!
That's a good point, Pamela, that the time span of the book seems longer than it actually was. Maybe it's partly because we did a slow read of the book, so we remember all those little moments that you forget if you read a book in a week.This has been a delightful read, Jean and Bridget! Thank you for your enjoyable commentary, and all your effort.
Thank you, Jean, and Bridget, for all your summaries, insights, and background information for this great novel. You’ve put a lot of work into this group!
Jean and Bridget: I want to express my sincere gratitude for all the hours you both put into your summaries and all the extra posts that made this read so special. I am in agreement with the crowd here on this final lovely chapter. The characters and their stories will stay with me for a bit as I feel I have come to know them. A testament to Hardy’s skill to create characters that are fully fleshed out.
I confess to feeling a sense of satisfaction and maybe a little relief that Gabriel and Bathsheda will have each other in good times and bad. I feel nature will continue to throw them the occasional curve ball but together they will do just fine.
Lori wrote: "I feel nature will continue to throw them the occasional curve ball but together they will do just fine."That's my expectation, too, Lori --and, I think, the one that Hardy meant for us to have.
Thank you Bridget and all for guiding through the reading of this book. I really appreciated it! Beautiful book but even more beautiful because it was read in your company with all your comments and reflections 😊
Thank you so much, Jean and Bridget! This has been so meaningful to read this classic in this way and to learn so much about Hardy, the times, the places — all this has made it so much more than the usual book club read.
Mod
Works of Thomas Hardy
Books mentioned in this topic
Far From the Madding Crowd (other topics)Tess of the D’Urbervilles (other topics)
The Pilgrim's Progress (other topics)
The new and complete dictionary of the English language : To which is prefixed, a comprehensive grammar / By John Ash. Volume v.2 1775 [Leather Bound] (other topics)
The Young Man's Best Companion (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Thomas Hardy (other topics)Thomas Hardy (other topics)
William Shakespeare (other topics)
Thomas Hardy (other topics)
Peter J. Casagrande (other topics)
More...
Yes, as you say we must be content with hints of "hindrances" and "darkness". Maybe Thomas Hardy had intended a horse to go lame, or the surgeon to be whisked off for a difficult childbirth or something, but the author felt it distracted too much from the main thrust of the story so struck it out before it reached Leslie Stephen.