Who Adam Bede is
Adam Bede leads a team of workmen in Hayslope, a farming village in the English Midlands. Strong, reliable and plain spoken, he believes a job deserves care even when nobody is watching. His father's drinking has left him carrying much of the responsibility for keeping his family afloat.
What Adam Bede wants
Adam wants to build a future with Hetty Sorrel, the young dairymaid at Hall Farm. He sees her as tender and modest, and imagines she would make a good wife. His own honesty makes it hard for him to question the person he loves.
Adam Bede and the others in the story
His younger brother Seth is gentler and more forgiving, especially toward weaknesses that Adam judges sharply. Dinah Morris offers another contrast, showing a compassion that attends to people without first condemning them. Arthur Donnithorne admires Adam's workmanship and promises to help him get on in the world. Adam trusts Arthur, while his friend Bartle Massey offers loyalty beneath his grumbling manner.
Questions
What does Adam Bede do?
Adam is a carpenter respected for his strength, skill and thorough work.
Who does Adam Bede love?
Adam loves Hetty Sorrel and plans a future with her. She does not share his devotion, and her attention turns toward Arthur Donnithorne.
Is Adam Bede a good person?
Adam is generous, dependable and honest, but he can also be stern. His sense of duty does not always leave enough room for pity.