Far from the Madding Crowd · Chapter
IX: The Homestead; A Visitor; Half-Confidences explained
Bathsheba and Liddy sort through household items at the farm.
What happens
Bathsheba and Liddy sort through household items at the farm. A visitor, Mr. Boldwood, arrives inquiring about Fanny Robin, but Bathsheba, flustered by her disheveled appearance, declines to see him. Liddy reveals Boldwood's history as a wealthy, unmarried farmer who has resisted many suitors. Bathsheba admits she once rejected a suitor (Gabriel Oak), and the chapter ends with her irritation at being called 'staid' by Boldwood via a child.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this scene, Bathsheba reaches an emotional and psychological peak of feverish, impulsive passion as she wri…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Social Class and Ambition
Bathsheba's rejection of Gabriel Oak because he 'wasn't quite good enough' reflects class consciousness and her own ambitions.
- Independence and Gender Roles
Bathsheba's irritation at being called 'staid' and her desire to control her own image highlight tensions around female independence and societal expectations.
Characters to notice
- Bathsheba Everdene
Flustered by her appearance and Boldwood's visit; admits to having rejected a suitor (Gabriel Oak).
- Liddy Smallbury
Bathsheba's servant-companion; provides gossip about Boldwood and prompts Bathsheba's confession about a past suitor.
- William Boldwood
Visits the farm to inquire about Fanny Robin; described as handsome, stern, and wealthy, but hopeless for women.
- Maryann Money
Charwoman scrubbing floors; Bathsheba scolds her for being unmarried.
- Fanny Robin
Mentioned as the subject of Boldwood's inquiry; she is missing and was once under his care.
Key passages
“A man wanted to once... He wasn't quite good enough for me.”
Bathsheba admits to Liddy that a man once proposed to her, but she refused him because she considered him beneath her.
This refers to Gabriel Oak's proposal, showing Bathsheba's pride and class awareness.
“She is a staid woman, isn't she, my little man?”
Boldwood asks a child if Bathsheba is a steady, sober woman, and the child agrees after being given a penny.
Highlights Boldwood's curiosity about Bathsheba and her irritation at being described as 'staid.'
