Far from the Madding Crowd · Chapter
The Malthouse; The Chat; News explained
Bathsheba addresses her workers from her window, expressing concern over Fanny Robin's disappearance and instructing them to make inquiries.
What happens
Bathsheba addresses her workers from her window, expressing concern over Fanny Robin's disappearance and instructing them to make inquiries. She mentions the bailiff's disgrace but does not dwell on it. Meanwhile, Gabriel Oak, staying at Coggan's, lies awake thinking of Bathsheba and planning to retrieve his belongings from Norcombe. At the malthouse, the men discuss the maltster's age, Gabriel's flute playing, and the character of Bathsheba's uncle, the late Mr. Everdene, as well as the new bailiff's dubious nature.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
Bathsheba's authority as a female farmer is evident as she gives orders to her male workers, while the men discuss the new bailiff's character and the late Mr. Everdene's piety.
Deception and Honesty
The men debate the bailiff's honesty, with Henery Fray implying he would lie as readily on Sundays as weekdays, reflecting concerns about trustworthiness in the community.
Obsession and Madness
Gabriel lies awake at night, his thoughts consumed by Bathsheba, illustrating the early stages of his romantic fixation.
Characters to notice
- Bathsheba Everdene
Anxiously inquires about Fanny Robin's disappearance and gives orders to her men from her bedroom window.
- Gabriel Oak
Lies awake thinking of Bathsheba, plans to retrieve his belongings, and plays the flute for the men at the malthouse.
- Fanny Robin
Mentioned as having disappeared; Bathsheba fears she may have come to harm through a soldier lover.
- Henery Fray
Criticizes Gabriel's flute-playing appearance and comments on Bathsheba's uncle and the bailiff.
- Joseph Poorgrass
Praises Gabriel's character and flute-playing, expressing thanksgiving that he is not a loose man.
- Mark Clark
Joins in the conversation, criticizes Gabriel's appearance while playing flute, and comments on the bailiff.
Key passages
“To-morrow morning I wish two or three of you to make inquiries in the villages round if they have seen such a person as Fanny Robin. Do it quietly; there is no reason for alarm as yet.”
Bathsheba asks a few of her men to discreetly search nearby villages for Fanny Robin, saying there is no need to panic yet.
Bathsheba's concern for Fanny's safety and her desire for discretion.
“Night had always been the time at which he saw Bathsheba most vividly, and through the slow hours of shadow he tenderly regarded her image now.”
Gabriel found that he pictured Bathsheba most clearly at night, and he lovingly thought of her during the long, dark hours.
Gabriel's romantic feelings for Bathsheba are intensified in his sleepless solitude.
“He can blow the flute very well—that 'a can.”
He plays the flute very skillfully.
Susan Tall's husband compliments Gabriel's flute-playing ability.