Far from the Madding Crowd, Chapter 45 summary

What happens

1. Troy waits for Fanny Robin in Casterbridge, unaware that attendants are preparing her body, then leaves angrily for Budmouth races.
2. He keeps his promise not to bet and only considers illness as the cause of Fanny’s absence while returning home.
3. After covering the body and waiting for daylight, Troy locates Fanny’s grave and visits a stonecutter in Casterbridge.
4. He spends his remaining twenty-seven pounds on a marble tomb and insists on its installation that day.
5. Around ten at night, he reaches the grave with flowers and carefully plants them around the memorial.
6. Rain extinguishes his lantern near midnight, and he leaves the remaining work until daylight and sleeps in the church porch.

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What to notice

Troy’s demand shows the urgency of his grief. He spends all his remaining money rather than delay the memorial.

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