Far From The Madding Crowd
Thomas Hardy
Bathsheba Everdene, a beautiful, independent young woman, comes to live with her aunt in a Dorset village. Gabriel Oak, a young farmer, has seen her several times and is greatly attracted to her. By chance, she saves Oak’s life, and in this extract, he introduces himself.
‘I believe you saved my life, Miss – I don’t know your name. I know your aunt’s, but not yours.’
‘I would just as soon not tell it – rather not. There is no reason either why I should, as you probably will never have much to do with me.’
‘Still I should like to know.’
‘You can inquire at my aunt’s – she will tell you.’
‘My name is Gabriel Oak.’
‘And mine isn’t. You seem fond of yours in speaking it so decisively, Gabriel Oak.’
‘You see, it is the only one I shall ever have, and I must make the most of it.’
‘I always think mine sounds odd and disagreeable.’ (line 10)
‘I should think you might soon get a new one.’
‘Mercy! – how many opinions you keep about you concerning other people, Gabriel Oak.’
‘Well, Miss – excuse the words – I thought you would like them. But I can’t match you, I know, in mapping out my mind upon my tongue. I never was very clever on my inside. But I thank you. Come, give me your hand!’
She hesitated, somewhat disconcerted at Oak’s old-fashioned earnest conclusion to a dialogue lightly carried on. ‘Very well,’ she said, and gave him her hand, compressing her lips to a demure impassivity. He held it but an instant, and in his fear of being too demonstrative, (line 20) swerved to the opposite extreme, touching her fingers with the lightness of a small-hearted person.
‘I am sorry,’ he said the instant after.
‘What for?’
‘Letting go your hand so quick.’
‘You may have it again if you like; there it is.’ She gave him her hand again. (line 25)
Oak held it longer this time – indeed, curiously long. ‘How soft it is – being wintertime, too – not chapped or rough, or anything!’ he said.
‘There – that’s long enough,’ said she, though without pulling it away. ‘But I suppose you are thinking you would like to kiss it? You may if you want to.’
‘I wasn’t thinking of any such thing,’ said Gabriel simply; ‘but I will-.’
‘That you won’t!’ She snatched back her hand. ‘Now find out my name,’ she said teasingly; and withdrew.
Far From the Madding Crowd – Notes
demure: modest
disconcerted: confused
swerved: moved
hesitated: couldn’t decide for a moment
Mercy!: (exclamation) Well!, My goodness!
teasingly: playfully
chapped: cracked and sore
withdrew: went away
demonstrative: showing much affection
snatched back: pulled away quickly
Far From the Madding Crowd – Comprehension
Answer these questions
Q 1: What reason does Bathsheba give for not telling Oak her name?
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Q 2: What do you think Oak means when he says ‘I should think you might soon get a new one’ (line 11)?
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Q 3: Why does Bathsheba hesitate before giving Oak her hand (line 17)?
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Q 4: Why does Oak let go of her hand so quickly?
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Q 5: Oak says her hand is soft (line 26). Why is he surprised by this?
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Match these words from the text with their meanings.
- decisively
- disagreeable
- somewhat
- earnest
- dialogue
- impassivity
- curiously
- confidently
- serious
- unpleasant
- calmness
- rather
- strangely
- conversation
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