Abstract
This paper explains how Thomas Hardy examines these themes in his novel, "Far From the Madding Crowd", with the characters of Gabriel, Frank and Boldwood. It discusses how Gabriel is portrayed as a man who learns from his circumstances in life, whether he deserves them or not. He becomes a character that embodies strength and determination despite the odds. It also points out how in contrast, Frank and Boldwood are characters that do not completely develop because they choose not to.

From the Paper
"Gabriel exhibits maturity because he is willing to learn from his devastating circumstances. He does not spend a lot of time asking why or feeling sorry for himself. Instead, he processes things rather quickly and moves on. For example, he is very realistic when he accepts the fact that he alone is responsible for not insuring his sheep. One of his most admirable characteristics is the fact that he is willing to see the best of things. For instance, after he loses his flock, he states, "Thank God I am not married: what would she have done in the poverty now coming upon me!" (Chapter 5). Gabriel does not resign himself to self-pity. Instead he accepts the reality of his situation and decides to make something of it."

Tags:gabriel, boldwood, frank

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