# XXXIX: Coming Home; A Cry explained — Far from the Madding Crowd

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

## What happens

Bathsheba and Troy return from market, arguing about his gambling losses at the races. On the road, a poor woman approaches and recognizes Troy, fainting. Troy sends Bathsheba ahead, speaks privately with the woman—revealed to be Fanny Robin—and arranges to meet her on Monday. Bathsheba suspects the woman's identity but Troy deflects.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Honesty

Troy lies to Bathsheba about knowing Fanny, while Fanny's fear to write reveals a history of deceit.

### Love and Marriage

Bathsheba's marriage to Troy is strained by his gambling and secret past, showing the disillusionment of their union.

### Social Class and Ambition

Troy's transformation from sergeant to fashionable farmer contrasts with Fanny's destitution, highlighting class divides.

## Character check-ins

### Bathsheba Everdene

Listless and sad, she confronts Troy about his gambling and later suspects his connection to the mysterious woman.

### Frank Troy

Now a farmer using Bathsheba's money, he is agitated by the encounter with Fanny, speaks gently to her, and lies to Bathsheba about knowing her.

### Fanny Robin

Appears in extreme poverty, recognizes Troy, faints, and agrees to meet him on Monday at Grey's Bridge.

## Key lines

> Yes, if it hadn't been for that wretched rain I should have cleared two hundred as easy as looking, my love,

Troy boasts that without the rain he would have won two hundred pounds at the races.

_Shows Troy's gambling addiction and his attempt to justify losses to Bathsheba._

> Please, sir, do you know at what time Casterbridge Union-house closes at night?

Fanny asks Troy what time the workhouse closes, revealing her desperate poverty.

_Introduces Fanny's plight and the workhouse as a symbol of social failure._

> I have only another moment, continued Troy; and now listen. Where are you going tonight? Casterbridge Union?

Troy hurriedly asks Fanny if she plans to stay at the workhouse, then arranges a secret meeting.

_Reveals Troy's prior relationship with Fanny and his attempt to manage the situation secretly._

## Links

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