Classics Retold

That same evening, at dusk. Gabriel was leaning over the Coggan's garden gate, taking an up and down survey before retiring to rest.  A gig was creeping along the grassy margin of the lane.  Oak instantly recognised the voices of Bathsheba and Liddy. It came opposite and passed by. Liddy was asking questions about the city of Bath, and Bathsheba was answering them listlessly and unconcernedly. Bathsheba was weary, as also her horse.  The exquisite relief of finding her safe and sound overpowered all other reflections.  All grave reports were forgotten.  He lingered on till there was no difference between the eastern and western sky, and the timid hares began to limp courageously round the dim hillocks. A dark form walked slowly by.  "Goodnight, Gabriel," said Boldwood.  "Goodnight, sir," returned Gabriel Oak. Boldwood passed away, and Gabriel returned home. Boldwood was in front of Bathsheba's house. He saw a light in the parlour of the house.  Si...

The phrase is a literary allusion drawn from Greek mythology, where Acheron is the river of woes and shade is the spirit of the dead.  Acheron is one of the five infernal rivers in the Greek underworld representing sorrow and pain. Mournful Fields often refers to Asphodel Meadows or area within Hades where spirits roam. The image invoked a sense of tragic isolation and death-like despair foreshadowing the ruin of the character Boldwood in 34th Chapter of Far From The Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy. 

A fig for such love is an idiom meaning the love is worthless or insignificant, akin to "I don't care a fig." It historically signifies the contempt for empty, fruitless or insincere affection - much like a tree with leaves but no fruits. It is shallow show rather than true devotion. A famous line in Shakespeare's Othello (Act 1 scene 3) spoken by Iago, the villain "Virtue? A fig?" Here he dismisses the idea that morality or goodness controls our destiny. Derived from an old expression where a fig implies worthlessness, it had been used in literature to express disdain.  Imagery of fig tree with only leaves represents the lack of expected results.  "Strangler fig" means taking resources without giving back. 

A play on words related to fencing terminology, highlighting a contrast between strength and weakness. It refers to an interaction between the strongest part of a sword blade located near the hilt and weakest part of the blade (foible) located from the middle to top.  When the forte of the blade meets the foible of another, the fencer with forte has a distinct advantage, as they can easily control or parry the weaker portion of the opponent's blade.  It is a metaphor that represents powerful force or argument or individual overcoming a weak, inadequate or shaky one. 

A pleasant shady and rustic shelter in a garden or wood, typically formed by trees, shrubs, or climbing plants trained over a framework.  It is a leafy, private, romantic resting spot. It can also refer to a cottage, a lady's bedroom in mediaeval literature or a card in the game of auchre.  Synonyms Arbour : A shady garden alcove  Pergola: A structure over path with climbing plants. Shelter: A shaded, protected spot.  The term derives from Old English būr meaning a dwelling room or a chamber. 

A 19th century carrier Spring Wagon was a versatile four wheeler horse-drawn vehicle designed for transporting both goods and passengers.  Often described as pockup truck or delivery van of its era these vehicles featured a square box, a canvas type canopy, and were suspended on a platform springs for smoother ride.  They were heavily used by farmers and for commercial delivery throughout 19th century.