# IX: The Homestead; A Visitor; Half-Confidences explained — Far from the Madding Crowd

> Chapter companion for Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy.

## What happens

Bathsheba and Liddy sort through household items at the farm. A visitor, Mr. Boldwood, arrives inquiring about Fanny Robin, but Bathsheba, flustered by her disheveled appearance, declines to see him. Liddy reveals Boldwood's history as a wealthy, unmarried farmer who has resisted many suitors. Bathsheba admits she once rejected a suitor (Gabriel Oak), and the chapter ends with her irritation at being called 'staid' by Boldwood via a child.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Ambition

Bathsheba's rejection of Gabriel Oak because he 'wasn't quite good enough' reflects class consciousness and her own ambitions.

### Independence and Gender Roles

Bathsheba's irritation at being called 'staid' and her desire to control her own image highlight tensions around female independence and societal expectations.

## Character check-ins

### Bathsheba Everdene

Flustered by her appearance and Boldwood's visit; admits to having rejected a suitor (Gabriel Oak).

### Liddy Smallbury

Bathsheba's servant-companion; provides gossip about Boldwood and prompts Bathsheba's confession about a past suitor.

### William Boldwood

Visits the farm to inquire about Fanny Robin; described as handsome, stern, and wealthy, but hopeless for women.

### Maryann Money

Charwoman scrubbing floors; Bathsheba scolds her for being unmarried.

### Fanny Robin

Mentioned as the subject of Boldwood's inquiry; she is missing and was once under his care.

## Key lines

> A man wanted to once... He wasn't quite good enough for me.

Bathsheba admits to Liddy that a man once proposed to her, but she refused him because she considered him beneath her.

_This refers to Gabriel Oak's proposal, showing Bathsheba's pride and class awareness._

> She is a staid woman, isn't she, my little man?

Boldwood asks a child if Bathsheba is a steady, sober woman, and the child agrees after being given a penny.

_Highlights Boldwood's curiosity about Bathsheba and her irritation at being described as 'staid.'_

## Links

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