Far from the Madding Crowd · Chapter
XXXIII: In the Sun; A Harbinger explained
A week passes without news of Bathsheba, who remains in Bath.
What happens
A week passes without news of Bathsheba, who remains in Bath. During the oat-harvest, Cain Ball returns from Bath with news that he saw Bathsheba and Sergeant Troy walking arm-in-arm, causing concern among the workers. Gabriel Oak struggles with jealousy and resignation, while the men discuss the wonders of Bath and the implications of Bathsheba's relationship with Troy.
Themes in this chapter
Obsession and Madness
Gabriel Oak's intense focus on Cain Ball's report of Bathsheba and Troy reveals his lingering obsession with her, despite knowing she cannot be his.
Deception and Honesty
Cain Ball's struggle to swear to the truth of his sighting highlights the tension between honest report and the pressure to confirm suspicions.
Characters to notice
- Gabriel Oak
Gabriel is visibly distressed by Cain Ball's report of Bathsheba with Sergeant Troy, but tries to hide his feelings and continues working.
- Bathsheba Everdene
Bathsheba is absent in Bath, and Cain Ball reports seeing her walking arm-in-arm with Sergeant Troy.
- Frank Troy
Sergeant Troy is seen with Bathsheba in Bath, walking arm-in-arm, confirming their growing intimacy.
- Cainy Ball
Cain Ball returns from Bath with news of Bathsheba and Troy, though his coughing fits and digressions frustrate the listeners.
- Jan Coggan
Coggan tries to comfort Gabriel by pointing out that Bathsheba cannot be his, and participates in the discussion about Bath.
Key passages
“Don't take on about her, Gabriel. What difference does it make whose sweetheart she is, since she can't be yours?”
Coggan advises Gabriel not to worry about Bathsheba's affections, as she is unattainable to him regardless.
This moment underscores Gabriel's resigned acceptance of his unrequited feelings.
“I saw our mistress, and a sojer, walking along. And bymeby they got closer and closer, and then they went arm-in-crook, like courting complete.”
Cain Ball reports seeing Bathsheba and Sergeant Troy walking arm-in-arm, indicating a romantic relationship.
This report confirms the growing intimacy between Bathsheba and Troy, deepening the tension.