Far From the Madding Crowd, written by Thomas Hardy, is a novel centered around the love life of a young woman named Bathsheba Everdene. The novel starts off with a young farmer named Gabriel Oak proposing to Bathsheba for her hand in marriage. Bathsheba turns him down, due to the fact that she doesn’t really know him and that he’s just a shepard. Then, Bathsheba inherits a farm from her uncle and moves to another city. There, more drama waits as Bathsheba struggles to find true love. Throughout the novel, themes of social status, marriage, change of social status, and the role of women are displayed. Social status can determine many things and can determine who you marry in the future. Marriage also plays an important role as it can allow you to move up a social class and make you a social climber. Through this Victorian novel, the role of women at that time is also displayed. The many features of this novel allow it to be an interesting and entertaining story. So, without further ado, let’s follow Bathsheba on her journey in the midst of love and drama.
One’s social status is important as it can determine one’s choices and how society views them. Your social status is your standing/relationship in society with other people. If you are rich, your social status would be higher than those who are poor. Far From the Madding Crowd accentuates the importance of social status and how it can influence one’s life. Bathsheba's encounters with different social classes highlight the challenges and complexities that arise from societal hierarchies. Bathsheba's romantic entanglements with three suitors from different social backgrounds shed light on the disparities in their expectations and treatment towards her. Mr. Boldwood represents social status and stability, while the working-class shepherd, Gabriel Oak, represents hard work and sincerity. On the other hand, the flamboyant and reckless Sergeant Troy exemplifies the allure of wealth and power. Through these characters, we are able to explore how social class influences not only one's perception of self-worth but also determines the choices and limitations available to individuals. The novel also shows examples of social climbing, as Bathsheba's desire for upward mobility and social recognition leads her to make impulsive choices that end in regret and heartache.
Marriage is a major event that can take part in people’s lives and can be a stepping stone when it comes to social class. With a strong focus on the Victorian era, this novel explores the limitations and expectations placed upon individuals of different classes during that time period. Far From the Madding Crowd shows the concept of marriage as a social transaction rather than a union of love. The choices Bathsheba makes between three suitors demonstrate the tug-of-war between societal expectations and personal desires. She first marries the wealthy and respected Mr. Boldwood, influenced by the idea of securing her position in society. However, this marriage lacks emotional connection, highlighting the emptiness of marrying for societal gain alone. However, in the end, Bathsheba finally realizes the major components to a successful marriage and agrees to marry Gabriel. Social class can also highly impact relationships. Sergeant Troy chooses Bathsheba over Fanny even though he loves the latter, only because Bathsheba is rich and can offer Sergeant Troy to be in a higher social class. The many complexities of marriage and the impact of social class can impact one’s relationship and relationship choices.
In Victorian literature, the role of females is a central theme that challenges Victorian gender norms and expectations. The novel portrays women in various roles, each defying conventional stereotypes of the time. Bathsheba is shown as independent, ambitious, and unafraid to challenge societal norms. Bathsheba defies gender expectations as she becomes a successful farmer, managing her own estate, which was traditionally seen as a man's job. Her determination and resilience shown in the story challenges the notion that women are frail and incapable of leadership. Liddy, Bathsheba's loyal companion, symbolizes loyalty, empathy, and quiet strength. In contrast, Fanny Robin embodies vulnerability and the consequences of societal expectations on women. The difference of social status between these women also determines their fate and expectations society puts on them. Bathsheba is rich, therefore though may make stupid actions, society still forgives her and there are still men willing to help her because of her wealth. However, Fanny is poor, and her stupid actions are looked down upon by society and there are no men by her side to help her. These female characters show the complexities of women's roles in society, showcasing their strengths as well as the limitations placed upon them.
Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy is a novel that presents themes of love, independence, and the destructive power of pride. Through the journey of Bathsheba Everdene and the men who pursue her, the complexities of relationships and the consequences of one's choices are portrayed. Bathsheba's initial hubris leads to the downfall of many around her, but through her trials and self-reflection, she is able to find true happiness and fulfillment. The novel also talks about wealth and social status. In the novel, social status and wealth play a big part in everyday life. One’s wealth determines their social status which can determine how they are viewed by society. Far From the Madding Crowd is a novel filled with drama, love, power and pride, which leads us onto an adventure with young Bathsheba and her journey to find true love.
Comentarios