Moreover, the clothes Gabriel wore were not pretentious. I know this because on his working days he wore his clothes that he was secure in, a hat that was taut on his head, a coat, leather leggings and boots, which were considerably large. On Sundays he went to church, of which we know he did not enjoy, as he had to dress in his best clothes. I can tell this because in the text it states that ‘On Sundays he was a man of misty views, rather given to postponing, and hampered by his best clothes and umbrella.’ The words ‘postponing’ and ‘hampered’ suggest that he was not comfortable wearing his best clothes. Although he was not at ease going to church he still went, which shows that he takes his duty seriously.
In chapter two, Gabriel shows his consideration towards others and animals. He takes a newborn lamb into his sheep hut to warm it up before taking it back to the mother. Oak also told the time by the sun and the stars as his pocket watch did not work. This was no inconvenience to Gabriel and shows his closeness to nature. The sheep hut that Oak lived in was very basic and organised. Oak was musical and played the flute which passed the time when sitting in his hut and entertained people.
Additionally, when Gabriel proposed to Bathsheba he aimed to please and although simple, it was extremely sincere. He made many preparations; he cleaned his silver watch chain, put new laces on his boots and searched thoroughly for a nice, new walking stick. Gabriel also dressed smartly, he found a new handkerchief, put an elegant waistcoat on and smoothed hair-oil on his hair. A simile is used when describing how much hair-oil was put on his head ‘ making it stick to his head like a mace round a nutmeg.’ This implies that he really was trying with his appearance putting hair-oil on, although there was so much on his hair that it stuck to his head. When Bathsheba refused his request to marry him, we feel sympathy towards Oak as he made such an effort to make a good impression.
When the tragedy of losing his two hundred ewes took place, his first thought was of the suffering of the sheep. This shows he is caring. His second thought was of the farmer who gave him the sheep, and how he had no insurance. This illustrates that he worries about pleasing other people. His third thought was of Bathsheba and relief in her refusal to marry him. This shows that he is selfless. Gabriel benefited from the tragedy in many ways. It strengthened his character by suffering a little. Also he becomes dignified and calm. He does not pity himself and moves on in a positive manner.
Furthermore, Gabriel was extremely generous. In chapter one he paid an extra two pence toll fee for Bathsheba, as she was adamant that she did not want to pay. Oak did not hesitate to pay the two pence; he did not think it had much significance.
‘Here,’ he said, stepping forward and handing two pence to the gatekeeper; ‘ let the young woman pass.’
This quotation shows his generosity towards a stranger of whom he had never met but was still willing to give two pence.
Once more, in chapter seven, he gave a young woman, who was running away a shilling, of which he could scarcely afford after his tragic loss of two hundred pregnant ewes. He urges her to take the money of which she obliges.
‘Since you are not very well off, perhaps you would accept this trifle from me. It is only a shilling, but it is all I have to spare.’
In chapter six we see how honest Gabriel is even if it shows him in a bad light. This is especially shown when Gabriel is trying to find a job and when asked what farm he was upon last, he simply replied ‘My own.’ The reply was described with a simile; ‘like a rumour of cholera’. This was a bad reply as when farmers saw Oak, they would merely walk away in disgust as they associated him with losing his own farm therefore he would not be trusted with the responsibility of a being a bailiff. Still this did not concern Gabriel Oak. When he couldn’t get a job as a bailiff, he simply went to buy a smock frock and shepherd’s crook to try and get a job as a shepherd. This demonstrates that Gabriel was not too proud and was willing to be employed as anything not necessarily aiming at a higher position such as a bailiff.
When the fire occurred at Everdene Farm, there was no hesitation from Farmer Oak for his own safety. He immediately went to help with the fire and even burns his smock frock. He demonstrated that he was organised and took control almost instantly. This gave him an air of authority. His leadership ability was appreciated greatly, he efficiently told everybody what had to be done to help and soon the fire was under control. Without Gabriel’s good sense and bravery the fire would have been unmanageable. Oaks courage was admired by all of the spectators and many compliments soon spread through the crowd.
Once Gabriel had found out that Bathsheba was in need of a shepherd, he was not too modest to ask her. He did not let what happened in the past effect his decision in asking her for a job and did not seem embarrassed. This shows his respect towards people and shows that he is a highly regarded man.
All these positive qualities show that Gabriel Oak is a reputable man and is willing to help anyone, even if he does not know them. It shows that he is courageous and not a proud man. All of which portray to the reader that Gabriel Oak is a heroic character.
