Thomas Hardy's Far From The Madding Crowd is widely praised for its rich prose, evocative descriptions, and complex characters, particularly Bathsheba Everdene. However, some critics find the pacing uneven and the plot occasionally melodramatic. Overall, it's considered a classic work of English literature, balancing pastoral beauty with intense human emotions.

A reader who enjoys Far From The Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy would likely appreciate Victorian literature, complex character development, and pastoral settings. Fans of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice or George Eliot's Middlemarch will find similar themes of romance, social critique, and rich storytelling.

Far from the Madding Crowd, Thomas Hardy’s fourth novel and the first set in his fictitious Wessex, follows farmer Gabriel Oak, who falls in love with Bathsheba Everdene. Despite his proposal being rejected, Gabriel becomes Bathsheba's shepherd when she inherits a farm. Bathsheba’s romantic entanglements with Gabriel, neighbor William Boldwood, and impulsive Sergeant Troy create a dramatic narrative exploring rural, Victorian-era English society.

Melancholic / Romantic / Inspirational / Contemplative / Bittersweet

- Far From The Madding Crowd was Thomas Hardy's first major literary success, establishing him as a prominent novelist after its publication in 1874.
- The novel was originally published anonymously in episodes in Cornhill Magazine, a popular literary publication of the time, which helped garner its initial readership.
- The title of the book is derived from Thomas Gray's poem "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard," reflecting Hardy's thematic exploration of rural life and human relationships.

**Bathsheba Everdene**  
A bright and independent young woman who inherits a farm, becoming a central figure in her community, known for her beauty and strong will.

**Gabriel Oak**  
A steadfast and competent shepherd who works at Bathsheba's farm, recognized for his loyalty and resilience despite personal hardships.

**William Boldwood**  
A prosperous and serious farmer in Weatherbury, who becomes infatuated with Bathsheba, setting off a series of events influenced by his intense focus.

**Francis Troy**  
A charming and impulsive Sergeant whose interactions with key characters instigate dramatic shifts in the community, leading to unforeseen consequences.

**Fanny Robin**  
A young servant with connections to both Gabriel Oak and Sergeant Troy, whose life and fate subtly impact the relationships between the main characters.

Thomas Hardy

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Far From The Madding Crowd reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Far From The Madding Crowd | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Far From The Madding Crowd and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Far From The Madding Crowd Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-11

Far From The Madding Crowd Chapters 1-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-20

Far From The Madding Crowd Chapters 12-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-30

Far From The Madding Crowd Chapters 21-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-40

Far From The Madding Crowd Chapters 31-40 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 41-49

Far From The Madding Crowd Chapters 41-49 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 50-57

Far From The Madding Crowd Chapters 50-57 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Far From The Madding Crowd Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Far From The Madding Crowd Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Far From The Madding Crowd Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Far From The Madding Crowd Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Far From The Madding Crowd Essay Topics

Far From The Madding Crowd

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Far From The Madding Crowd?

Reading Age

Book Details