Far from the Madding Crowd · Chapter
Converging Courses explained
Troy, having survived the drowning, plots his return to Weatherbury, consulting with Pennyways about Bathsheba's current situation and her possible involvement with Boldwood.
What happens
Troy, having survived the drowning, plots his return to Weatherbury, consulting with Pennyways about Bathsheba's current situation and her possible involvement with Boldwood. Meanwhile, Bathsheba prepares nervously for Boldwood's party, conflicted about her feelings and the expectations of others. Boldwood, in turn, reveals his deepening obsession, planning to increase Oak's share in the farm and secretly possessing a diamond ring intended for Bathsheba. Oak observes Boldwood's decline with concern.
Themes in this chapter
Obsession and Madness
Boldwood's obsessive love for Bathsheba is evident in his secret purchase of a diamond ring and his altered demeanor, signaling a descent into fixation.
Deception and Honesty
Troy's survival and his secret plotting to reclaim Bathsheba involve deliberate deception, while Bathsheba grapples with her own honesty about her feelings.
Love and Marriage
The chapter explores the complexities of love and marriage through Troy's manipulative intentions, Bathsheba's conflicted emotions, and Boldwood's desperate hopes.
Characters to notice
- Frank Troy
Troy is alive and plotting his return, discussing Bathsheba's possible engagement to Boldwood with Pennyways.
- Benjy Pennyways
Pennyways reports to Troy about Bathsheba's appearance and her indifference toward him, while advising on legal matters.
- Bathsheba Everdene
Bathsheba prepares for Boldwood's party, feeling conflicted and anxious about the social expectations and her own emotions.
- Liddy Smallbury
Liddy assists Bathsheba with her dress and teases her about the possibility of Boldwood proposing.
- William Boldwood
Boldwood reveals his obsession with Bathsheba, planning to increase Oak's share and secretly possessing a diamond ring for her.
- Gabriel Oak
Oak is uneasy about Boldwood's state of mind and advises caution, while Boldwood acknowledges Oak's hidden feelings for Bathsheba.
Key passages
“I must go and find her out at once—O yes, I see that—I must go.”
Troy decides he must immediately seek out Bathsheba.
Troy's determination to confront Bathsheba and reclaim his position.
“I dread going—yet I dread the risk of wounding him by staying away.”
Bathsheba is torn between attending Boldwood's party and the fear of hurting him if she does not.
Bathsheba's internal conflict about her social obligations and emotional ties.
“I have learnt a little about your secret: your interest in her is more than that of bailiff for an employer.”
Boldwood acknowledges that Oak's feelings for Bathsheba go beyond professional duty.
Boldwood's recognition of Oak's hidden love for Bathsheba.