Far from the Madding Crowd · Chapter
The Storm; The Two Together explained
During a violent thunderstorm, Bathsheba and Gabriel work together to protect the ricks from the coming rain.
What happens
During a violent thunderstorm, Bathsheba and Gabriel work together to protect the ricks from the coming rain. In the midst of the storm, Bathsheba confides in Gabriel about her marriage to Troy, explaining that she went to Bath intending to break off the engagement but married him out of jealousy and distraction. The storm intensifies, nearly striking them, but they survive and the rain holds off.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Honesty
Bathsheba confesses the truth about her marriage to Troy, seeking to clear Gabriel's mistaken impression and revealing her own vulnerability.
Fate and Free Will
Bathsheba's impulsive decision to marry Troy, driven by jealousy and circumstance, contrasts with the storm's uncontrollable force, highlighting the interplay of choice and fate.
Characters to notice
- Bathsheba Everdene
Works alongside Gabriel to save the ricks, reveals the true story of her marriage to Troy, and shows vulnerability and gratitude.
- Gabriel Oak
Leads the effort to protect the farm from the storm, listens to Bathsheba's confession, and remains devoted and protective.
- Frank Troy
Mentioned as being asleep in the barn with the other workers, drunk, during the storm.
Key passages
“I went to Bath that night in the full intention of breaking off my engagement to Mr. Troy. It was owing to circumstances which occurred after I got there that—that we were married.”
Bathsheba reveals that she originally went to Bath to end her engagement, but events there led to the marriage instead.
Bathsheba's confession to Gabriel about the true circumstances of her marriage.
“Heaven opened then, indeed. The flash was almost too novel for its inexpressibly dangerous nature to be at once realized, and they could only comprehend the magnificence of its beauty.”
The lightning was so intense and beautiful that its danger was not immediately apparent.
Description of the storm's most dramatic moment.