# LVII: A Foggy Night and Morning; Conclusion explained — Far from the Madding Crowd

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

## What happens

Gabriel Oak and Bathsheba Everdene marry in a private, secret ceremony. Gabriel arranges the license and enlists Jan Coggan's help to inform the clerk, Laban Tall, while keeping the wedding quiet. On the morning, Bathsheba wakes early and tells Liddy the news. They walk to the church in the fog, marry with only Tall, Liddy, and the parson present. That evening, the Weatherbury band and friends surprise them with a celebratory salute. Gabriel and Bathsheba invite them in, and the community offers their congratulations.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

The chapter culminates in the quiet, private marriage of Gabriel and Bathsheba, emphasizing a union based on mutual respect and practical partnership rather than grand romance.

### Social Class and Ambition

Bathsheba's comparative wealth and Gabriel's lack of means are noted, yet their marriage transcends class boundaries, with Gabriel moving into her home.

## Character check-ins

### Gabriel Oak

Arranges the secret wedding, obtains the license, and marries Bathsheba.

### Bathsheba Everdene

Wakes early, prepares for the wedding, and marries Gabriel in a quiet ceremony.

### Jan Coggan

Helps Gabriel keep the wedding secret and delivers the message to Laban Tall's wife.

### Liddy Smallbury

Bathsheba's maid; is told the news and attends the wedding.

### Laban Tall

The parish clerk; is summoned to witness the wedding.

### Joseph Poorgrass

Offers a biblical reflection on the marriage as the friends depart.

## Key lines

> The most private, secret, plainest wedding that it is possible to have.

Bathsheba requested the simplest and most discreet wedding imaginable.

_Bathsheba's desire for privacy sets the tone for the chapter._

> As though a rose should shut and be a bud again.

Bathsheba looked rejuvenated, as if she had returned to her youthful bloom.

_Describes Bathsheba's renewed appearance on her wedding morning._

> Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.

Joseph Poorgrass quotes Hosea, suggesting that some people are beyond redemption, but he accepts the marriage as it is.

_Joseph's humorous biblical allusion reflects the community's mixed but ultimately accepting view of the union._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/lvii-a-foggy-night-and-morning-conclusion
- 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