Classics Retold

Thomas Hardy in his 1874 novel, ,Far From The Madding Crowd, in Chapter Thirty Seven compare Gabriel Oaks strenuous efforts to save the corn and hay of Bathsheba Everdene from the impending rain, on the day of her Wedding Celebration. At the beginning of the celebration, being aware of the change in weather, and expecting a rain Gabriel Oak requested a meeting with sergeant Troy, which was refused. Then Gabriel sent a message to him that the rain was coming.  But Troy ignored him. Troy sent out women and children from the hall before merry-making and served brandy with hot water. All the men including Troy fell asleep after the drinks. Gabriel Oak himself engaged in saving the corn and hay. All the wheat and hay were saved. The barley was remaining. In the course of his efforts to save them, the wind came followed by lightning and thunder. The only soul in the house who could not sleep, other than Gabriel Oak was Bathsheba Everdene. She assisted Oak carrying the sheaves of barley t...

A type of tin glazed earthenware characterizedd by an opaque white glaze painted with vibrant oxide enamel colours. It originated as Italian Renaissance pottery, and typically uses red clay.  It is charectorised by vibrant detailed brushwork, frequently featuring historical or mythical scenes.  The term is derived from Majorca a Spanish island that was a shipping centre for this type of pottery to Italy.  While Renaissance maiolica refers specifically to tin glazed pottery, the American, Victorian-era version majolica often refers to colourful, led-glazed moulded earthenware.  Italian maiolica often features story telling paintings, while other forms include floral designs, grotesques and sculptural forms. 

Errant horses are free roaming horses,  descendants of domesticated stock, living in wild or in racing contexts, horses that behave waywardly during a race, often running unevenly. Ferel horses, like Mustangs, form small organised bands, while adapting to wild environments, while errant in razing describes a horse lacking focus or steering properly.  Feral Horses:  These are domesticated horses, or their offsprings that have escaped and live in a self-sustaining wild state. They are not technically wild species, but are adapted to live without human management.  Mustangs are free roaming horses in the Western US, descended from Spanish conquistador horses. Wayward Horses: An errant horse in racing is a wayward horse.

Also spelled poignard is a long light weight thrusting knife with a continuously tapering, acutely pointed blade and a crossguard historically worn by upper class noble men or members of knighthood. Similar in design to a parrying dagger.  Emerged during the Middle Ages and was used during Renaissance in Western Europe, particularly in France, Switzerland and Italy.  Spud was the archaic word for poinard.  The armed forces of  Safavid Iran used the poinard.  The weapon originated in Caucasus regions; particularly in Circassians, Georgians, and Armenians.  Crossguard is bar between blade and hilt, intended to protect the hand and fingers from opponent's weapon and also sliding onto their own blade. 

Phosphorescent wings glow in the dark by storing light energy lasting longer than fluorescence, often found in nature's bioluminescent insects. Examples include fire flies or glow worms, which produce light for mating.  Some butterfly wings, such as papilio nireus use structured scales for intense light emission. Many insect wings like that of sallowtails and cicadas are technically fluorescent actively shining under UV light rather than glowing in the dark  The firefly family includes nearly 2000 species that use bioluminescence. The glowworms refers to larva or wingless females that glow, while flying males often glow intermittently.  Sallowtail butterflies possess specialised wing scales that actively fluorescence.  Their wing structures act like photonic crystals, similar to high-tech LEDs and enhance this emission and direct the light, making them appear to shimmer. Research indicates that the transparent wings of cicadas and some moths exhibit natural fluoresce...

Sumerian Civilization of Mesopotamia is widely considered the earliest civilization in the world, having emerged in southern Iraq around 4500 to 4000 BCE. Located between the Tigris and Euphrates river, it produced world's first city Uruk and the first writing system Cuneiform.  Sumer and Mesopotamia were not identical.  Mesopotamia is the name of the entire region Sumer was a subregion within it.  Mesopotamia was a vast area around and between Tigris and Euphratese rivers covering modern day Iraq and parts of Syria and Iraq, Sumer was specifically the southern most part of the region, near the Persian Gulf. Sumerians were one of the many ethnic groups that lived in Mesopotamia.  The other groups were Akkadians, Babylonoans, and Assyrians.  Sumerian culture eventually faded and it was absorbed by Babylonian and Babylonian empires. 

Towards the end of August. Night. Bathshebs was still a novice in her married life. Dry and sultry weather. A man stood motionless in the  stackyard  of Weatherbury Upper Farm looking at the moon and sky.  The night had a sinister aspect.  A hot breeze from the south slowly fanned the summits of lofty objects, and broken clouds were sailing in the breeze. The moon had a lurid metallic look.  The fields were sallow; the sheep had trailed homeward, the rooks were confused. A long rain was expected. The end of harvesting season.  Oak looked without disbelief at the ricks in the open space.  He went on to the barn.  This was the night chosen by sergeant Troy for giving harvest supper and dance.  As Oak approached the building, the sounds of violins, and a tambourine, and the regular jigs of many feet grew more distinct.  He came close to the large doors, one of which stood slightly ajar, and looked in.  The central space together with t...

Staddle is a traditional base platform, or supporting stone, often called a staddle stone, used to elevate structures like haystacks, grain stores or sheds, protecting them from moisture and pests.  Originated in Middle English, these stone pedestal resembles mushroom with a column and cap, and were traditionally used in Britain and Europe.  This helped structures to get elevated about one metre.  These staddles could support timber framed graneries, barns, or sheds to prevent rot. These raised platform could be used for drying grains like wheat or paddy. There is no one word  for staddle in Malayalam.  Though hay were stacked in tall heaps, staddles were not in practice. 

Stalactites are icicle shaped mineral deposits that hang from cave ceilings, hot springs or man-made structures like bridges formed over hundreds or thousands of years by dripping water.  Primarily composed of calcium carbonate (limestone) they develop as mineral rich water evaporates leaving behind deposits.  Water seeps through cracks, dissolving limestone.  Upon reaching the cave ceiling, it drips, leaving behind tiny mineral fragments that build up over time.  While limestone is most common, they can be made of lava, mud, peat, pitch, sand or even crystalised rat urine.  Their growth is extremely slow, typically relying on steady, slow drip rates. 

The Soldier's Joy is fiddle tune classified as a reel or country dance, which traces its origin to Scottish fiddling traditions.  It has been played in Scotland for over two hundred years, and Robert Burns used it for the first song of his cantata, 'The Jolly Beggers'. It is one of the oldest and most widely used tunes. The tune dates as early as 1760s. In spite of its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, the term "soldier's joy" has a much darker meaning, than is portrayed by the tune. This term eventually came to refer to the combination of Whiskey, beer, and morphine used by American soldiers to alleviate pain. 

Stackyard is an agricultural enclosure, yard or field used for storing stacked hay, straw or grain. Dating back to 1500s these rural areas served as storage for harvested crops before they were thrashed or taken to market.  They are also called rickyard.  They were primarily used on farms to keep fodder or grain. They were located near barn. 

Next morning was of sun and dew.  Birds' songs spread into the healthy air. Barren clouds were suspended here and there in the wan sky.  The creeping plants about the old manor house were bowed with heavy water drops.  Gabriel Oak and Jan Coggan passed the  village cross  and went on together to the fields.  They were near the house of Bathsheba, when Oak fancied he saw one of the  casement  in one of the upper windows.  The two men were at this moment partially screened by a bush now beginning to be encircled with black bunches of berries, and they paused before emerging from its shade.  A handsome man leaned idly from the lattice.  He looked east and then west, in the manner of one who makes a first morning survey.  It was sergeant Troy.   His red jacket was loosely thrown on, but not buttoned, and he had altogether the relaxed bearing of a soldier taking his ease.  Looking quietly at the window, Coggan spoke f...

A type of window or door hinged on one side, allowing it to open outward or inward like a door.  Known for high ventilation and energy efficiency, they often feature a crank mechanism for easy operation and tight sealing, making them ideal for residential and commercial use.  They typically consist of a sash hinges and latch.

A traditional medieval monument typically located on a village green or central areas serving as sites for preaching, or as village market or for community meetings. These structures commonly featured a stepped base, a socket stone and a shaft exemplified by Winthrope village cross.  Many surviving crosses in UK are listed medieval structures. They were also known as preaching crosses, and were used by early Christian for gatherings and baptism.  Besides this, there were market crosses, for community life, trading, and meeting. Many older village crosses are protected as listed buildings or designated ancient ancient monuments. 

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. 

A week passed and there was no tidings of Bathsheba. Nor was there any explanation of her  Gilpin's Rig .  Then a note came for Maryann, stating that the business which had called her mistress to Bath still detained her there; but she hoped to return in the course of another week.  Another week passed.  The oat-harvest began, and all the men were in the field under monochromatic  Lammas  sky amid the trembling air and short shadows of noon.  Indoors nothing was to be heard save the droning of blue-bottle flies; out of doors the whetting of scythes and the hiss of tressy oat-ears rubbing together as their perpendicular stalks of amber-yellow fell heavily to each swath. Every drop of moisture in the form of cider was raining as perspiration from their heads and cheeks. Drought was everywhere else.  They withdrew for a while into the shade of a tree in the fence.  Coggan saw a figure in blue coat and brass buttons running to them across the fiel...

Whit Tuesday or WitsunTuesday is a Christian holiday observed on Tuesday after Pentecost Sunday, 51 days after Easter, and the day following whit Monday.  It is traditionally celebrated in various European countries, including parts of Germany, with church services and historical traditions. In England this time is associated with wakes week and fairs. 

Scythe is a traditional agricultural hand tool used for mowing grass or harvesting crops like grains. It consists of a long, often curved wooden handle called snath and a curved steel blade attached at right angle.  Scythe was not common in Indian subcontinent.  Sickle was the tool for  harvesting of grains in Indian subcontinent. Scythe was widely used in Europe from 8th century, primarily for haymaking, hay being the winter fodder for livestock. In Indian subcontinent's tropical climate livestocks were driven freely for grazing.  Harvesting in Indian subcontinent involved grabbing a handful of stalks and cutting them precisely with sickle to avoid wasting grains, whereas scythe uses a broad sweeping motion.  Interestingly, scythes are currently being promoted in states like Uttarakhand and Assam through government schemes to help farmers to stand upright and increasing harvesting speed.  Scythe was largely unsuitable for wetland paddy cultivation, which i...

Lammas sky refers to the atmosphere and celestial events surrounding the festival of Lammas which marks the first grain harvest on  1st August in the Northern Hemisphere.  It is characterized by the twilight of summer featuring high summer heat and the begining of the Sun's slow descent as days start to shorten.  The sky often displays golden yellow, orange and amber light reflecting the ripening wheat fields. The atmosphere is hazy with the scent of dust and hay, and shadows stretching longer across the hills as the light grows softer. It is a threshold between the fire of summer and the cooling of Autumn.  This time is highlighted by the presence of Spica, the star of abundance and Arcturus, the bright star.  It is an occasion to perform rituals of gratitude for the harvest. Lammas may also bring heavy and unpredictable rain causing flood, and becomes a distress for harvest. The rituals include setting up of harvest altars decorated with sunflowers and wheat s...

"Running a rig"  or "running such rig" is a phrase often associated with the 18th century poem The Diverting History of John Gilpin by William Cowper, meaning to play a trick, engage in a frolic, or suffer a ridiculous, chaotic, or unexpected adventure.  In the poem, John Gilpin is a linen draper, who goes on a disastrous horse ride, of which the narrator says, "He little dreamt, when he set out, of running such a rig. A rig here means a sportive trick, a frolic, or a rowdy mocking or deceptive act.  It describes someone experiencing an, unexpected, messy, or embarassing situation. A young person, an urchin etc.  In Far From The Madding Crowd the situation that Bathsheba Everdene faces when he went in search of Sergeant Francis Troy to inform him of Boldwood's Fury and warn him of some untoward incidents to Gilpin's Rig.

Cracked and mouldy halls of Bathsheba's house.  Maryann was was the lone occupier of the halls.  The church clock struck eleven. The village of Weatherbury was quiet as a graveyard.  Maryann turned in her bed with a sense of being distributed. She was in the midst of sleep.  A dream was the cause of her awakening: something had happened. She sat up in the bed, and walked towards the window and looked out.  The paddock touched this end of the building.  She could just discern the uncertain gray moving figure approaching the horse that was feeding there.  The figure seized the horse by the forelock, and led it to the corner of the field.  Here stood a vehicle.  Minutes later, which she thought was spent in harnessing, she heard the trot of horse mingled with the sound of light wheels.  Maryann feared it were robbers.  She hastily slipped on clothes, stumped down the disjointed staircase with its hundred creaks, ran to Coggan's the nea...

Born as Ramachandra Pandurang Tope (also called Tantia Tope) around 1814, he was a member of  Deshastha Brahmin  community who had access to the ruling elite of Marathas including Peshwa (Chief Minister) of Maratha confederacy based at Poona. His father Pandurang Rao Tope was a court official in the service of Peshwa, Baji Rao II, of Maratha confederacy. After the Peshwa was defeated by East India Company he was forced to move to Bithoor, and Tope family moved along with him. This gave Tatya an opportunity to get familiar with Nana Saheb and other Maratha nobles.  He was not a mercenary outsider, but an insider of Maratha royal and witnessed the decay of it.  Even though he was not a member of the royal class he was attached to administrative and military class. They enjoyed status, education and proximity to power. He took pride in the glory of the Maratha Empire and grieved over loss of its political presence. He was committed to restore the lost glory of Marathas....

Hindu Brahmin subcaste originating from Maharashtra and North Karnataka belonging to Pancha Dravida group known for their scholarly contributions.  They are concentrated in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telagana and Andhrapradesh; with Marathi and Kannada as common mother tongues. Historically engaged in priesthood, agriculture, and administration.  They were always a part of ruling elite and held positions like Peshwa and Divan.  Deshastha means resident of the land or country.  The valleys of Rivers Krishna and Godavari and the Deccan plateau were their ancestral home. 

Next evening, Bathsheba with the idea of getting out of the way of Boldwood in the event of his coming to answer her note proceeded to fulfil an engagement made with Liddy.  Liddy had been granted a week's leave to visit her sister in Yalbury. Her sister's husband was a thriving hurdler and cattle-crib maker.  They were living in a delightful labyrinth of hazel copse not far From Yalbury. Miss Everdene was to honour them by visiting them for a day or two to familiarise with some ingenious contrivences which this man of wood had introduced into his wares.  Leaving her instructions with Gabriel and Maryann that they were to see everything for the night she set out at the close of a timely thunder-shower, which had refined the air, and gracefully bathed the surface of the land.  She had walked nearly three miles, when she saw advancing over the hill, the very man she sought to elude. Instead of his usual gait,  she saw him stunned and sluggish. Boldwood had for the...