Far from the Madding Crowd, Chapter 54 summary
Chapter 54 of 57 · 6 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 54, Boldwood gives himself up in Casterbridge after shooting Troy, while Bathsheba sends Oak for a surgeon and takes charge of her husband’s body. She prepares Troy for burial without help, but her strength fails once the work is finished, and she suffers fainting spells and expresses guilt.
What happens
- Boldwood walks to Casterbridge and enters the jail, where he gives himself up.
- Oak finds Bathsheba holding Troy’s body, and she sends him to fetch a surgeon.
- Delays keep Mr. Aldritch away for more than three hours, while Oak informs the authorities and learns of Boldwood’s surrender.
- Bathsheba has Troy taken home despite objections about an inquest, then locks herself alone with his body.
- The surgeon finds Troy properly prepared for burial, and Bathsheba collapses after explaining her strength as a wife’s devotion.
- Medical care helps Bathsheba through repeated fainting spells, and Liddy hears her blame herself during the night.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Far from the Madding Crowd, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
In this chapter
What to notice
The surgeon marvels at Bathsheba’s solitary work. Her reply and immediate collapse show that devotion and sustained effort, not freedom from suffering, support her composure.
Quick check
What does Bathsheba do before the surgeon reaches her house?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Far from the Madding Crowd, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
