Student Question
What are some symbols used in Thomas Hardy's Far From the Madding Crowd?
Quick answer:
In Far From the Madding Crowd, Thomas Hardy uses the moon as a symbol of love, illustrating its phases and presence as reflections of romantic relationships. The moon's changing state mirrors the emotional dynamics between characters, such as Gabriel's unrequited love for Bathsheba, symbolized by a moonless night, and Bathsheba's lack of feelings for Boldwood, contrasted with his intense infatuation, highlighting unbalanced affections.
I think the symbolism represented by the beautiful, luminous moon is a good example. Hardy uses it to represent love. The phases of the moon and even if it is present or not say a great deal about romantic love and if it exists between the characters or not. How each character feels about love is associated the the nightly wonder in the heavens.
Gabriel is accustomed to stare gazing to tell the time but then he sees Bathsheba on a night when no moon is out. After she rejects his marriage proposal the moon is said to be in a waning period. Another reference to the moon was when Bathsheba failed to show emotions for Bolwood, yet he was infatuated with her. A situation of unequal love that drives Bolwood crazy.
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