Essay, Research Paper: Far From The Madding Crowd

Far From The Madding Crowd is one of the most memorable novels written by
Thomas Hardy.
In an attempt to fight a changing society, Thomas Hardy has portrayed his own
phylosophy throught the charactor of Gabriel Oak, as displayed in theor views on
women, social institutions, and rual/urban life.

The role of women was seen as changing throughout the Victorian era, they were
also seen as essential, and Thomas Hardy's view on this is made clear through the
views and actions of Gabriel Oak.
Oak's views in regaurds to the lifestyle, is that men should have money before they
are to marry. This is shown when Gabriel Oak sees the death of his sheep, and says
to himself, "'Thank God I am not married. What would she have done in poverty now
comi Oak is afraid that if he has no money, there is no way in the world that he would
be able to take care of a woman, and more importantly, himself. That shows that Oak
believes that a man should be able to finacially support himself, before he can
support
It is clear that Hardy, and Oak share the same views on marriage, and financial status.
Thomas Hardy felt that he, as a writer had the proficiency to fight against a changing
society, and express his views on this matter. Gabriel Oak's views, in particular, on
the barn, was exceedingly symbolic of both his, and Hardy's opinions on a cha 'One
could say about this barn, what could hardly be said of either the church, or the cattle,
akin to it in age and style, that the purpose which had dictated its original erection
was the same with that to which is was still applied. Unlike and superio

Thomas Hardy's outlook is made clear in that he feels that society is changing for the
worse. It is not particularly stated in the novel that Oak shares the same views as
Hardy towards the changing society. It is more often the narrator who expresse
The move in the industrial revolution moved many families into the urban life. This is
a conflict that Thomas Hardy portrays, and exibits through Gabriel Oak, and Sergient
Troy. Troy represents the industrial revolution, and Gabriels Oak's view of h
"'A rambling, gloomy house this is,' said Troy, smiling... Gabriel shook his head. The
soldier turned a little towards the east, and the sun kinded his scarlet coat to an
orange glow. 'but it is a nice old house,' responded Gabriel. 'Yes - I suppose so

Grabriel Oak appears to be happy with the house the way it is, now. Compared to
Troy, who wants to change the entire place around. Troy is viewed as the industrial
revolution in an old rual community/life, and consequently does not belong there. Tho
It is shown throughout Far From The Madding Crowd, that Thomas Hardy has written
his own philosophy into the life of Gabriel Oak. It is especially displayed in their views
of women, social institutions, and rual/urban Life.