# Converging Courses explained — Far from the Madding Crowd

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/lii-converging-courses
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters