Far from the Madding Crowd · Chapter
XLVIII: Doubts Arise; Doubts Linger explained
Bathsheba struggles with the uncertainty of her husband Troy's absence, feeling a mix of indifference and dread about her future.
What happens
Bathsheba struggles with the uncertainty of her husband Troy's absence, feeling a mix of indifference and dread about her future. She learns of Troy's apparent drowning while in Casterbridge, collapses, and is caught by Boldwood, who briefly holds her. Despite the news and evidence, Bathsheba clings to the belief that Troy is still alive, though she later wavers upon reading a doctor's account and examining Troy's clothes. She finds Fanny's hair in Troy's watch, reflecting on her connection to them both.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Honesty
Bathsheba doubts the truth of Troy's death, questioning whether appearances match reality, especially given his past deceit and her jealousy of Fanny.
Fate and Free Will
Bathsheba feels trapped by her choices and fate, yet she resists accepting Troy's death, suggesting a struggle between predetermined outcomes and personal belief.
Characters to notice
- Bathsheba Everdene
Bathsheba grapples with her husband's absence and apparent death, experiencing a range of emotions from indifference to shock, and ultimately doubts the news of his drowning.
- William Boldwood
Boldwood catches Bathsheba when she faints upon hearing of Troy's drowning, briefly holding her and feeling a surge of emotion, then assists her with arrangements.
- Frank Troy
Troy is reported drowned while bathing at Lulwind Cove, though his fate remains uncertain; his clothes and watch are recovered.
- Fanny Robin
Fanny's hair is found in Troy's watch, prompting Bathsheba to reflect on their relationship and her own place.
- Liddy Smallbury
Liddy meets Bathsheba upon her return and suggests mourning clothes, but Bathsheba insists Troy is still alive.
Key passages
“Bathsheba underwent the enlargement of her husband’s absence from hours to days with a slight feeling of surprise, and a slight feeling of relief; yet neither sensation rose at any time far above the level commonly designated as indifference.”
Bathsheba felt a mild surprise and relief as her husband's absence stretched from hours into days, but these feelings never exceeded a general indifference.
Highlights Bathsheba's emotional detachment from Troy's absence.
“As if endowed with the spirit of prophecy, Bathsheba gasped out, 'No, it is not true; it cannot be true!'”
Bathsheba instinctively denied the news of Troy's drowning, as if she had foreseen it was false.
Shows Bathsheba's immediate refusal to accept Troy's reported death.
“He lifted her bodily off the ground, and smoothed down the folds of her dress as a child might have taken a storm-beaten bird and arranged its ruffled plumes, and bore her along the pavement to the King’s Arms Inn.”
Boldwood picked Bathsheba up gently, straightening her dress like a child caring for a bird, and carried her to the inn.
Illustrates Boldwood's tender and possessive care for Bathsheba.
“I am perfectly convinced that he is still alive!”
Bathsheba firmly believes Troy has not died.
Captures Bathsheba's persistent doubt despite the evidence.
“He was hers and she was his; they should be gone together. I am nothing to either of them, and why should I keep her hair?”
Bathsheba reflects that Troy and Fanny belonged to each other and should be together, feeling she has no part in their bond.
Reveals Bathsheba's sense of exclusion and jealousy regarding Troy and Fanny.
