By this stage in the novel, however, it seems that some of her ambition and zest for life has been lost. With Boldwood and Troy both out of the picture, Bathsheba can finally live without the distraction of men trying to woo her. The discovery also reveals his fixation on wealth and status: when he tried to envision how he could best please Bathsheba, Boldwood assumed jewels and fine clothes must be the key to her heart.

The discovery of the items he has purchased and set aside for Bathsheba reveals his obsessive hope: given that she only confirmed their engagement the night of the party, he must have been purchasing these items well before he knew whether or not she would agree to marry him. Boldwood meekly accepts the legal punishment, but evidence of his insanity allows for him to be granted the small mercy of imprisonment. The traumatic and violent events of the Christmas party seem to soften many of the characters into a new acceptance of their fates. Gabriel comes to live with her at the Everdene farm, and the novel ends with an optimistic view of a happy and loving marriage for them. The two of them joyfully realize that they mutually love each other.Ī short time later, Bathsheba agrees to marry him, and the two marry in a small, private ceremony with only a few close friends present. Bathsheba’s objections spark Gabriel’s curiosity, and he admits that of course he still loves her. He notes that this doesn’t mean he couldn’t still work for her at the same time, but he is uncomfortable since rumors have started that he hopes to marry her and thinks it would be better if he did not work for her anymore. He explains that he is not going to leave England, but he is going to be leasing Boldwood’s farm beginning in March. That night she goes to his cottage and asks if he is leaving because she has offended him. She becomes more and more distraught to think of losing him as the months pass, and in the winter, he gives her formal notice that he will be leaving before the end of March. Gabriel surprises her by saying that he is planning to move to California in the spring, and she objects that she will be lost without his help at the farm. In August, she encounters Gabriel while she is visiting Troy’s grave she has had him buried in the same grave with Fanny. In March, the judges meet to determine whether or not the sentence should be commuted, and Boldwood is sentenced to life in prison.īathsheba recovers very slowly from the traumatic events of Christmas. Many of the local townspeople argue that he should be found insane, and thus not criminally responsible. However, it is discovered that in his house there are many dresses and jewelry purchased for Bathsheba and set aside for their eventual marriage. After his arrest, Boldwood pleads guilty and is sentenced to death.

Far from the madding crowd novel