# XXV: The New Acquaintance Described explained — Far from the Madding Crowd

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

## What happens

This chapter introduces Sergeant Troy as a new arrival in Weatherbury, describing his character and philosophy. He is portrayed as a man who lives entirely in the present, devoid of memory or anticipation, and who uses flattery as his primary tool in dealings with women. The chapter also depicts Bathsheba's first encounter with Troy in the hayfields, where she feels a mix of embarrassment and attraction.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Honesty

Troy is described as a master of flattery and lies to women, embodying the theme of deception in romantic relationships.

### Fate and Free Will

Troy's lack of anticipation and his focus on the present suggest a life governed by impulse rather than deliberate choice, contrasting with the theme of free will.

## Character check-ins

### Frank Troy

Introduced as a gallant sergeant who lives in the moment, uses flattery on women, and has come to Weatherbury to help with haymaking.

### Bathsheba Everdene

Observes Troy from a distance and feels a nameless relief at Boldwood's absence; she blushes with half-angry embarrassment when Troy approaches her in the hayfield.

### Jan Coggan

Mowing in a less forward meadow with Mark Clark, humming to the strokes of his scythe.

### Mark Clark

Mowing alongside Jan Coggan, humming a tune to his scythe strokes.

## Key lines

> He was a man to whom memories were an incumbrance, and anticipations a superfluity.

Troy lived entirely in the present, finding memories burdensome and future plans unnecessary.

_Highlights Troy's character as impulsive and present-focused._

> He was moderately truthful towards men, but to women lied like a Cretan.

Troy was somewhat honest with men but habitually deceived women.

_Illustrates Troy's duplicitous nature, especially in romantic contexts._

> His reason and his propensities had seldom any reciprocating influence, having separated by mutual consent long ago.

Troy's rational thoughts and his desires rarely aligned, as they had long ago parted ways.

_Explains the disconnect between Troy's intentions and actions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/far_from_the_madding_crowd_se/chapters/xxv-the-new-acquaintance-described
- 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