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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the maiden do to revive Gabriel when she finds him passed out in his hut in Chapter 3?

2. What setting is described in the title of Chapter 24?

3. How many years older is Gabriel than Bathsheba?

4. From what Shakespearean play is the line "Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing" that is cited in Chapter 4?

5. In what country is Far from the Madding World set?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the narrator compare Sergeant Troy’s behavior toward men versus his behavior toward women in Chapter 25?

2. Who comes to inquire about word of Fanny Robin at the Everdene Farm in Chapter 9? What is related of this character?

3. How does Bathsheba respond to Mr. Boldwood’s marriage proposal in Chapter 19?

4. Where does Bathsheba first meet Sergeant Troy in Chapter 24? What are her impressions of him?

5. What leads to the conflict between Bathsheba and Gabriel in Chapter 29?

6. What tragedy befalls Gabriel Oak in Chapter 5? What are Gabriel’s circumstances after the tragedy?

7. Why does Bathsheba fire Gabriel Oak from his position on the farm in Chapter 20?

8. What tragedy befalls the Everdene Farm in Chapter 21?

9. What is Henery Fray’s opinion on Bathsheba’s courtship by Mr. Boldwood in Chapter 22?

10. How does Bathsheba respond when Gabriel Oak proposes to her in Chapter 4?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the literary style of Far from the Madding Crowd. How does the novel reflect elements of realism? What are aspects of romanticism seen in the work? How does the style of the narrative reflect upon the author's contemporary world?

Essay Topic 2

Thomas Hardy was criticized in his lifetime for the overt sexuality in his works. Discuss some of the sexual undertones and subjects seen in Far from the Madding Crowd. What are examples of sexual innuendos used in the narrative? What "taboo" subjects does the author address?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the central conflicts in Far from the Madding Crowd. What are the internal, external, and relational conflicts faced by Bathsheba in the narrative? What conflicts occur between Boldwood and Troy? What conflicts does Gabriel Oak struggle with? How are the major conflicts resolved?

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