Far from the madding crowd.

I have never been fond of writing book summaries or reviews, but this one book that I recently finished demands that a few words be penned down about it.

Far from the madding crowd, is set in the country side with remarkably beautiful pieces of description of the environs that not in the least disturb the cadence and harmony of the story. An architect, Thomas Hardy takes keen interest in adding architectural details wherever necessary often transporting the reader into the place of discussion. His closeness to nature is pretty ostensible in the selection of his words.

“….this midsummer  evening, whilst the bristling ball gold in the west still swept the tips of the ferns with its long luxuriant rays….”

Hardy’s understanding of human nature, its many weaknesses and strengths is reflected clearly in the characters of this novel. With artistic beauty and precision, he blends in abstract feelings touching upon the finer often hidden characteristics of ordinary people.

“…extremity of feeling lessens the individuality of the weak, as it increases that of the strong.”

“…as in laughter there are more dreadful phases than in tears, so was there in the steadiness of this agonized man an expression deeper than a cry.”

The protagonist of the novel Bathsheba is loved, hated and admired as she progresses from conceit and impetuousness to humbleness and rationality. Her audacious spirit makes her not only undertake uphill tasks but also land her into a self-created abyss when a seemingly innocuous plan contrived by her turns Mr Boldwood, the very plain, disinterested and dull neighbor into an emphatic lover. This mutation of farmer Boldwood from an apathetic individual to a fanatical admirer is nonetheless interesting. Such tendencies do exist in ordinary people. A look around will reveal that people with such intense emotions are not very uncommon and may continue to live on undisclosed and normal until perturbed by an external stimulus which in most cases is love. As love happens to be the only feeling that qualifies, out of the many, in possessing the greatest permeability in all mediums.

Another interesting and serene character is Gabriel Oak. He is the first man in the story who proposes Bathsheba. All through the novel, he exhibits an unremitting tenacity of endurance very few people possess. His is a sublime character that grows and matures; fighting the pangs of selfless love, and despite being heartbroken and financially crippled let’s not his love come in the way of his sincerity and friendship with Bathsheba. He remains a bystander as Bathsheba pursues her dream of marrying the whimsical, clever and playful sergeant Troy, the man who very cunningly and stealthily robs her heart. It is when Bathsheba falls into his snare that she truly comprehends the magnitude of loss and pain she knowingly/ unknowingly inflicts on some people.  

Apart from these main characters the novel has at its periphery many other intriguing people, invaluable to the structure of the story. Besides, the text also illuminates the highs and lows of the society of those times.

A Classic novel usually progresses at its own pace and once over, lingers over the mind of its reader for a long time to come. The affect they create may be subtle and intense at the same time. This story is a good depiction of how a woman errs and falls from grace in her own eyes, and how certain eccentric traits in People can force this fragile sex to unwillingly commit themselves and their lives for the sake of the sanity of their passionate admirers.

More said would be injustice to the reader intending to self-discover the various hues of colors and emotions the novel expresses in monotones and other blends.   

All through the novel I missed my younger sister intensely who, while I read a classic left no stone unturned in coaxing out every detail of the story from me. And the invaluable discussions that thus ensued can never be forgotten. If you (little sister) are reading this, know that you are being deeply missed.