Far from the Madding Crowd
Express classics Series
on Goodreads (160,540)
What’s inside...
Set in Victorian England, Far from the Madding Crowd tells the story of the farmer Bathsheba Everdene, her life and her relationships. It discusses the themes of love, honor and betrayal. Thomas Hardy's classic tale of a woman brave enough to defy convention: Soon to be a major motion picture starring Carey Mulligan. Spirited, impulsive, and beautiful, Bathsheba Everdene arrives in Wessex to live with her aunt. She strikes up a friendship with a neighbor, Gabriel Oak, and even saves the young shepherd's life. But when he responds by asking for her hand in marriage, she refuses. She cannot sacrifice her independence for a man she does not love. Years later, misfortune has bankrupted Gabriel, while Bathsheba has inherited her uncle's estate and is now a wealthy woman. She hires Gabriel as a shepherd but is interested in William Boldwood, a prosperous farmer whose reticence inspires her to playfully send him a valentine.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-13
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Bathsheba Everdene
Fanny Robin
Gabriel Oak
William Boldwood
Sergeant Frank Troy
Francis Troy
Discussion points
How do you think Bathsheba felt when she received the valentine? What would you have done in her place?
Why do you think loyalty is important to the characters in the story?
How do the different seasons described in the book affect the mood and actions of the characters?
If you could give advice to one of the characters, who would it be and what would you tell them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of the characters to explore their feelings and motivations. Use descriptive scenes from the book to help visualize the setting and enhance understanding of the story's context. Highlight the moral dilemmas faced by the characters to spark deeper conversation on values and decision-making. Ask your child what they would do differently if they were in the story, fostering critical thinking and personal connection to the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: The protagonist, Bathsheba Everdene, displays resilience as she manages a farm in a male-dominated society, facing various challenges with strength.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of perseverance and overcoming obstacles in their pursuits, whether in school, sports, or friendships.
Example Lesson: The consequences of impulsive decisions
Explanation: Bathsheba’s hasty marriage to Sergeant Troy leads to hardship, demonstrating the repercussions of making quick, uninformed choices.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think decisions through and seek advice if necessary, helping them make more considered choices.
Example Lesson: The importance of integrity
Explanation: Gabriel Oak remains honest and morally upright throughout the story, which eventually leads to positive outcomes in his life.
Real-World Application: Children learn the benefit of staying true to their values and the positive impact this can have on their life and relationships.
Example Lesson: Respect for others’ feelings
Explanation: The story shows how Bathsheba’s disregard for Boldwood’s feelings leads to tragedy, underscoring the importance of considering others' emotions.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of empathy and treating others with consideration and respect.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Bathsheba reflects on her past mistakes and grows from them, highlighting the value of self-reflection and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to accept their mistakes, learn from them, and understand that errors are part of learning and growing up.