Examines the traits of Bathsheba in Thomas Hardy's novel "Far from the Madding Crowd" and relates these with her relationships with the three men in her life.
1,410 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 1 source, 2002, $ 46.95
Abstract This paper analyzes Thomas Hardy's character Bathsheba Everdene from the novel ?Far from the Madding Crowd.? It focuses on her personality traits and how these traits attracted her to each of the three men in her life. It also analyzes these three men to a lesser degree, but only in relation to her.
From the paper:
?In the Thomas Hardy novel Far from the Madding Crowd, the most interesting aspect of the book is most assuredly the interaction between Bathsheba Everdene and her three admirers. The plot was centered around those relationships, and there would not have been much of a storyline had those encounters been removed. It is therefore desirable to know as much as possible about what made these suitors attractive to Bathsheba, as it would provide great insight into her character as well as lead to a more complete understanding of the book. With a little analysis, it can be seen that the personality traits in Bathsheba that led to her attraction to Sergeant Troy, Farmer Boldwood, and Gabriel Oak, respectively, are her most primary and basic tendencies, and add much to her complexity.?
Tags: analysis, bathsheba, boldwood, character, gabriel, hardy, literature, victorian, york
This paper traces the progression of the heroine, Bathsheba Everdene, throughout the novel, Thomas Hardy's "Far from the Madding Crowd", by focusing on various stages in her life and how different incidents influenced her character.
Abstract This paper discusses that, initially, Bathsheba is presented as the epitome of vanity and pride. The author, who feels that this book is too long and involved, describes the many transgression and errors made by Bathsheba. The paper concludes that all of these unpleasant events have a strong impact on Bathsheba, and she turns into a more responsible and wiser person, as she gains better insight into her own character.
From the Paper "At this point Gabriel firmly resolves never to ask her for marriage again. ?No man likes to see his emotions the sport of a merry-go-round of skittishness.? (Chapter IV) Bathsheba however doesn?t change a bit initially as she moves from one silly antic to another only to attract people's attention and make herself extremely popular with all men. In Chapter 13, she mischievously sends a valentine note to Mr. Boldwood, one man who never pays any attention to Bathsheba. He is old enough to be her father but his indifference to her beauty makes her do something absolutely undesirable so that he would start noticing her. Hardy aptly remarked, ?Of love as a spectacle Bathsheba had a fair knowledge; but of love subjectively she knew nothing.? (Hardy, Chapter XIII) This one despicable mistake of hers ultimately results in life imprisonment for Boldwood. By this time, Bathsheba's character has not changed much. It was when Troy enters her life that we notice some transformation in her behavior. This change results from deep involvement with the Sergeant who cares nothing about her but loves to flirt outrageously."
Abstract The essay uses many examples from the text to illustrate how clothing can be used as a marker of the strong value system in the Victorian value system. It also proves how Hardy undermines such beliefs; examples are given of traditional notions of class, identity and masculinity being questionned. The essay also uses clothing to explore the subjugation of women, morality and sexuality in the Victorian era.
From the Paper "In the Victorian era appearances were important. In order to be accepted by society, the individual needed to be seen to conform to its values. In Far From the Madding Crowd, such rules and values are evident by what is worn. Clothing, therefore, acts as another marker of society's control over the individual. The power of such control is seen to weaken, however, as the ever-prevalent modern world begins to infect the public consciousness. As the old order disintegrates, clothing becomes an effective disguise for the individual to hide behind."
Abstract This paper describes Laurel Thatcher Ulrich's book about the role of wives in the American colonies. It also discusses Ulrich's theme that the lives of colonial women were defined by a series of discrete duties unlike men who were overwhelmingly identified with their professions.
From the Paper "Indeed, Ulrich divides her book into discrete parts, depending on which characteristic of woman she is discussing. That Bathsheba should be first is unusual. On the other hand, the name itself means "daughter of the oath" according to Answers.com, and the opening section of Ulrich's book deals with fealty and other concerns peculiar to the Northern New England Puritan way of life. It would seem that perhaps Bathsheba, being self-directed within boundaries, and being thought both a good neighbor and a substitute 'man,' is a perfect metaphor for the women Ulrich is discussing in the first part of the book."
