Far from the Madding Crowd, Chapter 38 summary
Chapter 38 of 57 · 5 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 38, Gabriel Oak finishes protecting the grain from heavy rain and meets Boldwood, whose neglected stacks reveal how deeply Bathsheba’s marriage affects him. Boldwood admits his despair and denies that Bathsheba ever promised to marry him, then resumes his reserve and asks Gabriel to keep their conversation private.
What happens
- As wind and rain intensify, Oak repairs the wheat covering and struggles to protect the valuable barley.
- At about seven, Oak finishes the work, exhausted but comforted by his success.
- Troy and the others leave the barn without showing concern for the stacks.
- On his way home, Oak meets Boldwood and discovers that all his grain stacks remain uncovered.
- Boldwood admits his disappointed hopes, denies any engagement to Bathsheba, and expresses despair before withdrawing into reserve.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Boldwood corrects the parish’s belief and refuses to blame Bathsheba for breaking a promise. His admission separates his powerful hopes from any actual agreement.
Quick check
Why are Boldwood’s grain stacks uncovered?
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