Far from the Madding Crowd · Chapter
IV: Gabriel’s Resolve; The Visit; The Mistake explained
Gabriel Oak, deeply in love with Bathsheba Everdene, resolves to marry her.
What happens
Gabriel Oak, deeply in love with Bathsheba Everdene, resolves to marry her. He visits her aunt's cottage under the pretense of delivering a lamb, but is initially turned away by the aunt who falsely claims Bathsheba already has a sweetheart. Bathsheba runs after Gabriel to correct the mistake, but when he proposes again, she refuses, leaving him confused and rejected.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Gabriel's earnest proposal and Bathsheba's playful rejection highlight the complexities of romantic pursuit and the societal expectations of marriage.
Independence and Gender Roles
Bathsheba asserts her independence by rejecting Gabriel's proposal and disliking being thought of as 'men's property,' challenging traditional gender norms.
Pride and Humility
Gabriel's humility and honesty are portrayed as weaknesses in his pursuit of Bathsheba, while her pride leads her to correct a false rumor but still refuse him.
Characters to notice
- Gabriel Oak
Resolves to marry Bathsheba, visits her aunt's cottage, and proposes twice; his humility and honesty hinder his success.
- Bathsheba Everdene
Runs after Gabriel to correct her aunt's false claim about having a sweetheart, but ultimately rejects his proposal.
- Mrs. Hurst
Bathsheba's aunt; mistakenly tells Gabriel that Bathsheba already has a young man, causing the misunderstanding.
- George
Gabriel's dog, follows him to the cottage with a concerned countenance.
Key passages
“Farmer Oak had one-and-a-half Christian characteristics too many to succeed with Bathsheba: his humility, and a superfluous moiety of honesty.”
Gabriel's excessive humility and honesty worked against him in winning Bathsheba's affection.
Highlights Gabriel's character flaws in the context of courtship.
“I hate to be thought men’s property in that way, though possibly I shall be had some day.”
Bathsheba dislikes the idea of being owned by a man, even though she acknowledges she might marry eventually.
Reflects Bathsheba's independent spirit and resistance to traditional gender roles.