Student Question
In "Far from the Madding Crowd", how does Gabriel show his undying loyalty to Bathsheba?
Quick answer:
Gabriel demonstrates his undying loyalty to Bathsheba through years of selfless dedication, supporting her business and personal life despite his own unrequited love. After losing his farm, he works tirelessly to make her farm successful without complaint. He remains a true friend and confidante during her tumultuous relationships, even assisting his romantic rival Boldwood. Ultimately, his loyalty is rewarded when Bathsheba realizes her love for Gabriel, and they marry.
Gabriel proves his undying loyalty to Bathsheba by putting aside his own feelings and devoting himself to years of selfless toil and unconditional support for her in both her business endeavors and romantic intrigues. In the beginning of the story, Gabriel declares his love and asks Bathsheba to marry him, but when his fortunes fail, he loses his farm and is forced to work for her instead. He uses his expertise uncomplainingly to make Bathsheba's farm profitable solely for her benefit, and is able to be a true friend and confidante to her as she struggles through difficult relationships with other men, even though he still loves her. His unselfishness and love is such that he even helps Boldwood with his property as well - not too many men would be able to be so kind to an adversary who is courting the woman he himself loves! When Bathsheba's intrigues end in disaster, Gabriel, respecting her feelings, stays away so that people will not gossip about her. His undying loyalty is rewarded in the end when Bathsheba finally realizes that she has loved him all along, and the two are finally married.
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