Far from the Madding Crowd · Chapter
XXXVI: Wealth in Jeopardy; The Revel explained
During a harvest supper and dance at Weatherbury Upper Farm, Sergeant Troy, now ruling in Bathsheba's place, insists on serving brandy and prolonging the revelry despite Bathsheba's protests and the ominous signs of an approaching storm.
What happens
During a harvest supper and dance at Weatherbury Upper Farm, Sergeant Troy, now ruling in Bathsheba's place, insists on serving brandy and prolonging the revelry despite Bathsheba's protests and the ominous signs of an approaching storm. Gabriel Oak, sensing the danger to the unprotected ricks, tries to warn Troy but is dismissed. After the women and children leave, the men drink heavily and fall into a stupor. Oak, unable to rouse them, single-handedly covers the ricks with cloths and thatches the barley, securing Bathsheba's property as the storm finally breaks.
Themes in this chapter
Obsession and Madness
Troy's reckless insistence on revelry and disregard for the storm's warning reflect his obsessive self-indulgence and lack of responsibility.
Nature and the Pastoral Life
The chapter emphasizes nature's power and the farmer's dependence on weather, with Oak reading the signs from animals and the sky to protect the harvest.
Social Class and Ambition
Troy's usurpation of Bathsheba's authority and his disdain for Oak's practical wisdom highlight class tensions and the conflict between military bravado and agricultural stewardship.
Characters to notice
- Gabriel Oak
Observes the threatening weather and attempts to warn Troy about the ricks; takes decisive action to protect the harvest when others are incapacitated.
- Frank Troy
Presides over the harvest supper, dismisses Oak's warnings, insists on serving brandy, and encourages the men to drink heavily.
- Bathsheba Everdene
Attends the dance as Troy's wife, protests the distribution of brandy, and leaves indignantly when Troy sends the women home.
- Matthew Moon
Found drunk and unconscious in the barn; Oak tries to rouse him for thatching but fails.
- Laban Tall
Also drunk and unresponsive; Oak seeks the granary key from his wife Susan.
- Susan Tall
Half-asleep, she mistakes Oak for her husband Laban and eventually gives him the granary key.
Key passages
“Gabriel could not easily thrust himself within speaking distance of the sergeant, and he sent a message, asking him to come down for a moment. The sergeant said he could not attend.”
Oak tried to get close to Troy but failed, so he sent a message asking Troy to step down briefly; Troy refused.
Highlights Troy's dismissive attitude toward Oak's concerns.
“Bathsheba put her hand upon his arm, and, with upturned pale face, said imploringly, 'No—don't give it to them—pray don't, Frank! It will only do them harm: they have had enough of everything.'”
Bathsheba pleaded with Troy not to serve more brandy, warning it would harm the men who had already drunk plenty.
Shows Bathsheba's concern for the workers and her powerlessness against Troy's will.
“Oak knew what this direct message from the Great Mother meant. And soon came another.”
Oak understood the toad as a clear sign from nature, and another sign soon followed.
Illustrates Oak's attunement to natural omens.
“He knew what this direct message from the Great Mother meant. And soon came another.”
Oak interpreted the toad as a direct warning from nature, and another sign soon appeared.
Reinforces the theme of nature's communication with those who are observant.
