# X: Mistress and Men explained — Far from the Madding Crowd

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

## What happens

Bathsheba Everdene takes charge of her farm, dismissing the bailiff and paying her workers. She asserts her authority, questions them about Fanny Robin's disappearance, and learns that Fanny has run off with the soldiers. Gabriel Oak observes her newfound confidence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Independence and Gender Roles

Bathsheba asserts her authority as a female farmer, dismissing the bailiff and managing the men herself, challenging traditional gender expectations.

### Social Class and Ambition

Bathsheba's rise from a cottage to a large house and fields is reflected in her confident, almost arrogant demeanor toward Gabriel Oak.

### Deception and Honesty

The men's evasiveness and Henery Fray's gossip contrast with Bathsheba's directness; Fanny's secret elopement hints at hidden truths.

## Character check-ins

### Bathsheba Everdene

Assumes control of the farm, dismisses the bailiff, pays the workers, and inquires about Fanny Robin.

### Gabriel Oak

Present as the new shepherd, leaning against the doorpost, observing Bathsheba's authoritative manner.

### Henery Fray

Attempts to ingratiate himself with Bathsheba, offers commentary on the workers, and is rebuked.

### Joseph Poorgrass

Nervously answers Bathsheba's questions about his work and pay.

### Laban Tall

Agrees to stay on working for Bathsheba, with his wife speaking for him.

### Susan Tall

Laban's wife, who speaks assertively on his behalf.

### Cainy Ball

Mentioned as a good lad to be under-shepherd; his name's origin is explained.

### Billy Smallbury

Returns from Casterbridge with news that Fanny Robin has run away with the soldiers.

## Key lines

> I have two matters to speak of. The first is that the bailiff is dismissed for thieving, and that I have formed a resolution to have no bailiff at all, but to manage everything with my own head and hands.

Bathsheba announces she has fired the bailiff for stealing and intends to run the farm herself.

_Demonstrates her determination to take control and defy gender norms._

> Well, ma'am, in round numbers, she's run away with the soldiers.

Billy Smallbury reports that Fanny Robin has eloped with a soldier.

_Reveals Fanny's fate and sets up future events involving Sergeant Troy._

> I shall be up before you are awake; I shall be afield before you are up; and I shall have breakfasted before you are afield. In short, I shall astonish you all.

Bathsheba vows to outwork her men by rising earlier and working harder than them.

_Highlights her ambition and resolve to prove herself as a capable farmer._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/x-mistress-and-men
- 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