Introduction
The emotional weight of unrequited love often becomes the central conflict or, at the very least, an important plot point of numerous novels. In Far from Madding Crowd, the entire plot revolves around characters’ feelings being rejected. The stark contrast between the harsh reality and the peaceful setting of the novel makes the realization of rejection particularly striking.
Key Objectives
The novel starts with a strong plot line unraveling the drama between Gabriel Oak and his unrequited feelings for Bathsheba. The longing for emotional connection and the affection that Oak displays becomes evident as he roams in search for his peace of mind and starts working at Bathsheba’s farm to provide emotional support for her. Not wanting to force Bathsheba into returning his feelings, Oak shows the true power of selfishness with his actions (Hardy 21).
Remarkably, Oak is not the only character who experiences the pain of unrequited love. Boldwood also has strong feelings for Bathsheba, yet they are no reciprocated either since she is in love with Sergeant Troy. Ironically, the latter shows no interest in her, thus locking the chain of unhappy coincidences in Far from Madding Crowd. Being quite vocal in her refusal to marry Boldwood, Bathsheba feels increasingly depressed and anxious, with her unreciprocated feelings toward Sergeant Troy aggravating the situation.
Conclusion
Thus, with three characters, whose passion for their loved ones knows no boundaries, and the emotionally frozen Sergeant Troy, Far from Madding Crowd represents a dram that is complex in its simplicity and seemingly mundane nature. As Bathsheba realizes that her love for Troy will never have a happy resolution, she agrees to marry Oak. While seemingly unhappy, the resolution of the novel hints at the possibility of trust-based relationships being more important than passion that may fade away as time passes.
Work Cited
Hardy, Thomas. Far from the Madding Crowd. Modern Library, 2000.