View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. To whose house does Maryann run to sound the alarm when she sees someone taking a horse from the stables in Chapter 32?

2. Where has Troy gone in the morning after Bathsheba has given him money in Chapter 41?

3. What word from Chapter 48 refers to uncertainty or fortuitousness?

4. The narrator says in Chapter 49, "Poor Boldwood had no more skill in finesse than a battering-ram." What literary device is used in this sentence?

5. Who helps Bathsheba clean up Fanny's grave in Chapter 46?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Troy spend all of his money on in Chapter 45? Why?

2. Describe the central conflict that occurs in the climax of the novel in Chapter 53. Who is involved in the conflict?

3. What does the gargoyle symbolize in Chapter 46? Where is the gargoyle located?

4. What is significant and symbolic about Troy’s grave in Chapter 56?

5. Where is Troy when he almost drowns in Chapter 47? How is he saved?

6. How has the relationship between Bathsheba and Gabriel changed at the end of the novel?

7. How does Bathsheba respond to Mr. Boldwood’s marriage proposal in Chapter 51?

8. Why does the lock of hair in Troy’s pocket-watch lead to an argument between him and Bathsheba in Chapter 41?

9. How does Bathsheba respond when she is confronted by Gabriel in Chapter 32?

10. Why do the workers at Everdene Farm believe a horse has been stolen in Chapter 32? How do they respond?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the character of William Boldwood in the novel. How old is Mr. Boldwood when he is introduced? What is his occupation? How does Mr. Boldwood's character evolve in the course of the story?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the consequences of Bathsheba sending a Valentine's Day card to Mr. Boldwood in the narrative. How does Mr. Boldwood respond to the forward token of affection? What actions does he take? Does Bathsheba regret sending the card? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 845 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample