Far from the Madding Crowd, Chapter 51 summary
Chapter 51 of 57 · 12 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 51, Boldwood escorts Bathsheba home and presses her to promise marriage in six years, but she postpones her answer until Christmas. Troubled by guilt and fear for his sanity, she asks Gabriel for moral advice, then feels disappointed that he shows no desire to marry her himself.
What happens
- With Joseph unfit to drive and Oak occupied, Bathsheba drives herself home while Boldwood rides beside her.
- Boldwood asks about remarriage and urges Bathsheba to repay her past wrong by promising to marry him in six years.
- Bathsheba rules out another suitor while Boldwood wants her, but only agrees to consider his proposal and answer at Christmas.
- As Christmas approaches, Bathsheba tells Gabriel she fears that refusing Boldwood may cost him his sanity.
- Gabriel accepts a conditional promise as morally possible but objects to marriage without genuine love.
- Bathsheba leaves disappointed because Gabriel offers advice without suggesting that he also might wait to marry her.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Gabriel separates the morality of a conditional promise from the morality of a loveless marriage. His objection challenges Bathsheba’s belief that guilt can justify marrying Boldwood.
Quick check
When does Bathsheba say she can answer Boldwood about his proposed marriage promise?
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