Classics Retold

In Chapter 52 of Far From The Madding Crowd, Hardy brings in three Jewish characters from the book of Daniel: Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego.  They were the officials in the court of Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylon.  When the king commanded everyone to worship a giant golden image, the three men refused because they would worship only their God.  As a punishment, they were thrown into fire, but the intense heat killed the soldiers who threw them into the fire. But the three men, however were not burned.  The king then saw a mysterious fourth figure walking with them in the flames.  They emerged unharmed, and the king acknowledged the power of their God.  These names were synonymous with people who endure persecution and severe trial. Hardy invokes biblical story to invoke the preparation of the Christmas party hosted by Boldwood. 

The combination of holly and ivy represents the duality of winter greenary, bridging the pre-pagan traditions and Christian Symbolism.  Together, they represent masculine and feminine aspects respectively of  nature, symbolizing rebirth, eternal life, and the contrast of light in the darkest part of the year.  Holly is traditionally viewed as a symbol of Jesus Christ: its sharp, prickly leaves represent the crown of thorns, the white blossoms represent His purity, and the red berries symbolize the blood He shed for humanity.  Ivy is long interpreted as the feminine counterpart to holly, and is tied to Virgin Mary.  Because it clings to structures and trees for support, it represents humanity's need to cling to God for support and protection.  Pagan Roots:- Long before the Christian era, ancient Celtic and Roman cultures decorated their homes with evergreens during the Winter Solstice.  Holly was associated with goodluck, peace, and protection against e...

Mistletoe is an evergreen plant that grows as a parasite on a host tree. It is known for its white berries and pale yellow flowers, and is popularly used as a festive Christmas decoration under which it is customary to kiss. Etymology:- The word mistletoe comes from Old English misteltan, combining mistel meaning dung or bird's dropping and tan meaning twig.  The earliest Anglo-saxon observers noticed the plant growing where birds had left their droppings, which is why the name historically translates to dung-on-a-twig. Symbolism and Traditions:- Tradition of kissing under mistletoe stems from Norse mythology, where the plant was associated with Frigg, the Goddess of love, who vowed to protect her son Baldur from harm using mistletoe. It evolved into romance and goodwill during the 18th and 19th centuries England. Because it remains green and bears fruit during the dead of winter, ancient cultures like the Druids viewed it as a symbol of life, vitality and and fertility. Biology:-...

In Chapter 52 of Far From The Madding Crowd, Thomas Hardy compares Boldwood's Christmas party to a Croquet game in a cathdrel to emphasize the strange contrast between outward elegance and inward tension.  In the Victorian period, croquet was a fashionable lawn game played at country-house parties.  Players dressed in fine clothes, calmly struck brightly coloured balls through hoops.  The game looked graceful and leisurely, but beneath the surface it involved careful strategy, rivalry and attempts to knock an opponent's ball out of position.  According to Hardy Boldwood's Christmas party resembles such a game because the guests move about politely and decorously, just as croquet players do. Everyone appears cheerful and civilized on the surface.  Yet hidden emotions and conflicting intentions are at work.  Boldwood expects Bathsheba to accept his ring; Bathsheba is anxious and reluctant; Gabriel senses danger; Troy is secretly on his way to the house in dis...

Joseph Poorgrass was to take back Bathsheba home from the Greenhill Fair.  But it was discovered in the afternoon that Joseph was suffering from his old complaint,  a multiplying eye  As a coachman he was hardly safe in that condition.  So it was decided that Oak would take his place in Bathsheba's conveyance and drive her back home.  But Oak had found himself occupied with those portions of Boldwood's flocks that were not disposed of.  Bathsheba resolved to drive herself, as she had  many times done from Casterbridge to market, and trusted her good angel for performing the journey.  Boldwood offered to ride on horseback beside her.  The moon having risen, and the gig being ready she drove across the hilltop in the wending ways which led downwards. Only the moon and the hill it flooded with light existed. The rest of the world was in oblivion. Boldwood on horseback was following her. They descended into the low lands.  The sounds of thos...

In Chapter 51 of Far From The Madding Crowd, Bathsheba says to Gabriel Oak: "Some rash acts of my past life have taught me that a watched woman must have very much circumspection to retain a very little credit."  A Watched Woman means a woman whose conduct is constantly observed, judged, and discussed by neighbours and well wishers.  In the social world of Victorian England, especially in small village community (Weatherbury), a widow or a woman living without a husband was was under close public scrutiny.  Every visit, rumour, or conversation could become the subject of gossip.  A woman's reputation (credit) was considered fragile.  Even innocent actions could be interpreted unfavorably.  Bathsheba has learned this through painful experience: Her playful valentine to Boldwood had led to his obsessive love. Her impulsive marriage to Sergeant Troy became public knowledge and ended in misery.  Now, if she appears to encourage Boldwood, while Troy's death...