Far from the Madding Crowd · Chapter
XVII: In the Market-Place explained
Boldwood, in Casterbridge market, sees Bathsheba and becomes deeply infatuated, scrutinizing her beauty and feeling jealousy as she casually interacts with a young farmer.
What happens
Boldwood, in Casterbridge market, sees Bathsheba and becomes deeply infatuated, scrutinizing her beauty and feeling jealousy as she casually interacts with a young farmer. Bathsheba, aware of his gaze, regrets her earlier flirtatious prank and considers apologizing, but fears misinterpretation.
Themes in this chapter
Obsession and Madness
Boldwood's sudden, intense infatuation with Bathsheba marks the beginning of his obsessive fixation, which will drive much of the plot.
Deception and Honesty
Bathsheba's prank and her subsequent regret highlight the tension between playful deception and the desire for honest interaction.
Characters to notice
- William Boldwood
Boldwood, for the first time, truly looks at Bathsheba and becomes infatuated, experiencing jealousy and the 'injured lover's hell.'
- Bathsheba Everdene
Bathsheba is aware of Boldwood's attention and regrets her earlier prank, considering an apology but fearing misinterpretation.
- Liddy Smallbury
Liddy is mentioned as co-instigator of the prank that led to Boldwood's infatuation.
Key passages
“Adam had awakened from his deep sleep, and behold! there was Eve.”
Boldwood, like Adam waking to find Eve, suddenly becomes aware of Bathsheba as a romantic figure.
Biblical allusion emphasizing Boldwood's awakening desire.
“He trod for the first time the threshold of 'the injured lover's hell.'”
Boldwood experiences jealousy for the first time, entering a state of emotional torment.
Highlights the onset of Boldwood's obsessive jealousy.
“She valued it only as she valued an artificial flower or a wax fruit.”
Bathsheba regards her triumph over Boldwood as hollow and artificial.
Shows Bathsheba's regret and self-awareness about her actions.