Far from the Madding Crowd, Chapter 15 summary

What happens

1. At the malthouse, workers criticize Bathsheba’s spending and decision to manage without a bailiff, while Henery resents losing the position.
2. Oak brings cold newborn lambs to the fire, threatens those who criticize Bathsheba, and acknowledges his own disappointed hopes of becoming bailiff.
3. Boldwood delivers Fanny’s letter, which repays Oak’s loan and announces her intention to marry Sergeant Troy.
4. Boldwood questions Troy’s reliability, and Cainy summons Oak because more ewes have twins.
5. Oak marks the revived lambs with Bathsheba’s initials and carries them back toward the lambing field.
6. Boldwood asks Oak about the valentine’s handwriting, learns it is Bathsheba’s, and returns home ashamed of revealing his feelings.

In this chapter

What to notice

Oak separates his personal disappointment from Bathsheba’s right to manage her property. His defense contrasts with the workers’ resentment and gossip.

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