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Far from the Madding Crowd, Chapter 10 summary

Chapter 10 of 57 · 8 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 10, Bathsheba pays her workers, announces that she intends to manage without a bailiff, and appoints an assistant for Gabriel Oak. William Smallbury brings his belief that Fanny follows a soldier, while Bathsheba closes the meeting by demanding fair service and asserting her authority as a woman farmer.

What happens

  1. Bathsheba announces the bailiff’s dismissal for theft and her decision to manage the farm herself.
  2. The workers report unsuccessful searches for Fanny while William Smallbury remains absent.
  3. Bathsheba distributes wages and gifts, questions her workers, and sharply stops Henery Fray’s interference.
  4. She appoints Cain Ball as under-shepherd and treats Gabriel Oak with a cool formality that surprises him.
  5. William returns from Casterbridge and concludes that Fanny follows her unnamed sweetheart in a departing regiment.
  6. Bathsheba orders news sent to Farmer Boldwood and promises energetic management in exchange for honest work.

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In this chapter

BathshebaGabrielBoldwoodFanny RobinTheme: Independence and consent

What to notice

Bathsheba openly identifies the change in leadership. Her speech makes gender central to her demand for obedience and fair conduct.

Quick check

Why does Bathsheba decide not to appoint another bailiff?

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