Far From The Madding Crowd *group read* discussion

Discuss Chapter XLV "Troy's Romanticism" through LVII "A Foggy Night and Morning.."

Ten days late here, but did anyone else finish?

Curious on what people thought of the ending? Do you think Bathsheba learned her lesson in the end? Did she deserve Gabriel?

I kinda of loved that she had to come to him in the end. Also wonder how happy they would have been if she had married him from the start? I think they would have been miserable because she was so shallow.

Also curious whether she gave up some of her independence/control of the farm to him when they were married? I almost think she was at the point where she was glad to not be the person in charge of everything.

Their love story always interests me because I get infuriated that he loves her when she is so mean. What a patient and forgiving person Gabriel is.

I finished yesterday and I really liked it! I agree with everything you said, Bathsheba definitely needed to grow up to appreciate Gabriel. I was so glad he became successful and that he got the girl in the end, although I'm not sure she'll ever really deserve him.

I was a little shocked that Boldwood actually killed Troy! I knew he was odd, but that was just crazy! I was so irritated when he kept trying to make Bathsheba promise to marry him in 6 years. I just wanted to yell at her to get a backbone and say no. I was creeped out by all of the things he had secretly bought for her and stashed away in the house.

I'm really excited about the movie now!

Boldwood went completely nuts! I wonder what he would have been like if she married him? I'm sure he would have driven her crazy.

Thanks Cristina!

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