Compare and contrast Oak and Troyas representations of 'The Victorian Man'.

Sean Flynn 10 KO

Compare and contrast Oak and Troy as representations of ‘The Victorian Man’

44 out of 54: A

Before publishing ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ in 1874, Thomas Hardy’s novels were known, by readers at the time, to be rather vulgar because of their concentration on country folk and not members of high society. This was an unusual choice for an author at the time, whilst other classics by Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters focused their attentions to tales of the aristocracy. Hardy's many Biblical and Romantic allusions added a new dimension to the novel, and his often profound comments show there is more to this tale than just a simple love story. In Victorian England, farm workers were seen to be poor people who accumulated large families and were generally less presentable in appearance and often had a lower standard of living. However, Hardy attempted to alter feelings of city folk towards the countryside and its rustics by writing his pastoral tragedy with an aim to help educate the literate people of the city.

The novel is an authentic depiction of people living in rural society during the nineteenth century. Each of the main characters represents the different personalities that existed in the social climate at the time. The story takes place in a rustic part of England in the late Victorian period and follows three suitors in pursuit of the female character whom, they feel, would be their ideal wife. The lady at the centre of attention in the village is Bathsheba Everdene. Being a wealthy, independent young lady, she is highly sought after. She is the protagonist, propelling the plot through her interaction with her various suitors. At the beginning of the novel she is a penniless young lady but she quickly inherits and learns to run a farm, from her uncle, in Weatherbury, where most of the novel takes place. The three suitors are William Boldwood, a middle-aged man of a serious and dignified character, Gabriel Oak, a humble and honest farmer, shepherd and bailiff, and Sergeant Francis Troy, the novel’s antagonist, an intelligent young man whose gambling addiction and impulsive behaviour thwart his determination to achieve his goals.

Hardy’s love for the countryside is obvious in his novel, with the main characters either owning or managing a farm, except Troy. Hardy loved the culture of the town, the plays, the art galleries, and the music. Hardy disliked London’s contempt for the country lifestyle as well as those who sought change and modernisation. Rustics in the novel are attributed with honesty and integrity whilst outsiders with no feelings are displayed as insensitive, destructive and inhumane. Hardy’s novels were even considered to be dull, mainly because they were focused on the countryside. In ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’, Hardy therefore aims to alter the perspective that people had of the countryside. Gabriel Oak, one of the three suitors, is a man who is portrayed to be close to nature. His character is similar to Hardy himself who was born in rural Dorset, which has much natural beauty, and was also close to nature. The title itself also suggests that Bathsheba and her suitor would, ideally, like to move away from the lively, ‘mad’ atmosphere of the town, ‘… Madding (meaning madly) Crowd’. A further influence on Hardy’s novel was his own experience with the class system. Hardy’s family were working-class folk and were involved in masonry. This is reflected in ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ by displays of affectionate admiration for farm workers and rustics. In the 1870s society was still dissected into a class system, since the important rise in factory work and industrialisation. This was due to the industrial revolution occurring in Britain from 1820s to 1900s. The novel displays these clear hierarchies with the community but shows impartiality to all.

The novel could be seen as simply a love story, which could be why it was a best-seller, as many people enjoy the thrills, betrayal and drama of romantic love stories. Hardy shows how marriage should not be disguised as a way of showing that you love someone, but that people need devotion, commitment and different atmospheres within the household to be satisfied with married life. The subject of feminism arises once Bathsheba receives a proposal of marriage from Boldwood. She shows that she has a strong mentality, and is not intimated into tamely accepting his proposal, attributes which were possessed by Hardy’s own mother. Her independent status allows her to enforce her own decisions without the consideration of another person’s viewpoint. This enables her to effectively ‘choose’ her husband. Bathsheba shows that she has control of her life, and that she will not be forced to make decisions by any one person and so refuses Boldwood’s proposal, realising that he could not give her the life she would like. Bathsheba feels Boldwood would work, and the income would not be spent enjoying themselves, and she does not want to be classed as a housewife. In the current social climate, over the years more and more women are working more and retiring later, with a factor being that women are fitter and they do not like the idea of being housewives.

In the mid-19th, early 20th century the Victorian era brought along a change in the attitudes of men and women. Men provided the income for families and were expected to own a few acres of land, by most women, to ensure financial security for a family. Men associated with the upper-class would attract women who were more literate and well-spoken than most females, and had some wealth. Aristocratic men would own iron or coal mining industries, work as yeoman farmers, or work as solicitors or accountants. Middle-class and working-class men were not seen as ideal husbands by women in the town but were still polite and respectful, despite the lack of wealth and not boasting a good reputation. Women felt that their ideal husband had to be a caring and romantic gentleman, who was charming and attractive in his appearance with a politeness that they felt respected by. The men were expected to have much respect for their wives and women who were unknown to them in society. Hierarchy was an influential factor for women who were scouting for potential husbands. An important characteristic of an ideal Victorian husband would be their attitude. Women preferred relaxed and calm gentlemen, rather than dashing and argumentative. The ideal husband in Victorian England would have a respectable background and a good reputation amongst the women folk and would be well-educated. Men were expected to be brave and heroic in their actions if their wives were in danger, and this would attract women as they would feel safe.

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Hardy portrays Gabriel Oak as an honest, brave and protective farmer. Oak is a practical man and always acts sensibly and effectively, rather than acting logically to a situation. Oak’s character is full of exceptional skill with animals and farming, whilst being stoical and possessing and an unparalleled loyalty. He is Bathsheba’s first suitor, later the bailiff on her farm, and finally her husband at the end of the novel. Gabriel is characterized by an incredible ability to read the natural world and control it without fighting against it. He occupies the position of a quiet observer throughout the majority of the novel, yet he knows just when to step in to save Bathsheba and others from catastrophe. Women expected to be treated with respect, but not to be flattered. Oak’s respect for women is genuine, and is chivalrous towards Bathsheba and he puts her interests before his own, by saving her ricks from the fire and the storm. This attitude would impress women. Oak feels he has a duty to protect Bathsheba and cares for her well being and safety,

‘Gabriel turned, and steadied her on her aerial perch by holding her arm.’ (P236 Ch 37)

This shows he is a calm gentleman, fully complying with the Victorian ideals. He is aware when Bathsheba is in danger of suffering major, or even minor, injuries.

Oak’s bravery and practicality is expressed when he saves a burning hay rick from destruction.

‘Something was on fire. … leaping down on the other side upon what he found to be ploughed soil, made across the field in the exact direction of the fire.’ (P43 Ch 6)

“Stop the draught under the wheat-rick!” cried Gabriel to those nearest to him. (P45 Ch 7)

“Get a tarpaulin – quick!” said Gabriel. (P45 Ch 6)

Here, Oak expresses his bravery, as he ran across the field “in the exact direction of the fire” and showing his instant determination to save Bathsheba’s ricks from complete destruction, proving he respects and cares for her. He shows his practical sense by distributing sensible orders to villagers helping him save the ricks, requesting someone to “Get a tarpaulin - quick!” (emphasizing the danger of the fire), instead of opting for the logical method of a bucket of water. But Oak shows that he has confidence in his decisions and believes they are effective. His attitude portrays an image of a stoical male, who has self-esteem but does not express his emotions when feeling irate.

Oak is a fond lover of nature, and is offended should anyone make a comment against the beauty of nature. This is evident during his discovery of a large toad humbly traveling across the path before the storm in Chapter 37.

“Oak took it up, thinking it might be better to kill the creature to save it from pain; but finding it uninjured, he placed it again among the grass. He knew what this direct message from the Great Mother meant.” (P230 Ch 36)

His friendliness towards and understanding of nature and creatures show he believes that the world is not simply about mankind, but that nature should be considered as part of an environment. This type of attitude would be typical of a Victorian man who, whether being close to animals or not, would not destroy a creature if it appeared injured and evinces respect and courtesy. But Oak’s calm and stoical characteristics defy him from being a representation of ‘the Victorian man’. Men who lived during that era would become quite violent towards their wives if they did not obey orders. The harsh domestic discipline in the nineteenth century ensured that men controlled the household. If they felt angry, they would clearly show their anger. This is evident in many early-twentieth century novels and films, such as ‘Oliver Twist’, where Bill Sykes is constantly threatening his wife Nancy, who is caring towards Oliver, if she does not obey his strict orders.

The novel’s antagonist Frank Troy (a Sergeant), the victorious suitor, is a romantic character who is always giving his best efforts to impress Bathsheba Everdene. However, unlike fellow suitor Gabriel Oak, Troy is a selfish man and very self-absorbed. In many ways he is the male equivalent of Bathsheba; handsome, vain, young, and irresponsible, though he is capable of love. Early in the novel he is involved with Fanny Robin and impregnates her. At first, he plans to marry her, but when there is miscommunication about which church to meet at, he angrily refuses to marry her, and she is ruined. Troy’s character is overwhelmed by his emotions, as he is weak and easily angered and can be quite violent towards Bathsheba.

Troy appears attractive and handsome in the novel, furthering his identification as the ‘ideal man’ of the Victorian age. ‘… whilst walking beside her in a farmer’s marketing suit of unusually fashionable cut was an erect, well-made young man.’ (P244 Ch 39) Troy’s vanity is shown as here, walking with the reins and whip of his horse upon his hands. This would be typical of a Victorian man who was proud of his appearance.

Unlike Gabriel Oak, Troy does not have much respect for nature. He displays his support for modernization and emphasises how he is a well-educated city-folk. “ … I feel like new wine in an old bottle here. My notion is that sash-windows should be put throughout, and these old wainscoated walls brightened up a bit; or the oak cleared quite away, and the walls papered … I am for making this place modern.” (P224 Ch 35) Here, Troy shows his desire to change the atmosphere in his home, and he admits that the old house urgently needs renovation. The “new wine in an old bottle” suggests that the decoration is not approved of by Troy and implies that the bottle needs a new appearance. Troy’s condescending and arrogant approach causes Hardy to portray Troy as a snob. Hardy opposed change and modernisation, which is what Troy was recommending in the quotation. Troy, being a well-educated, handsome young man would appeal to women as he complies to the Victorian ideals.

Gabriel Oak is portrayed as an honest farmer, who has a divine love for nature. Hardy uses him as a mouthpiece to perhaps convey his own enduring love of the countryside. But Oak’s characteristics do not fully comply to the Victorian ideals. His occupation of a shepherd would not provide the satisfactory wealth that women expected from the ‘ideal man’. His appearance is not one of an attractive, middle-class man who would attract women, but of a rustic who lacks confidence in his appearance and approach to women, like Bathsheba. Oak cares for Bathsheba, but does not succeed in marrying her until the end of the novel (when Troy is dead and Boldwood is imprisonment), as he feels she is a woman who would prefer handsome men with considerable wealth as her ‘ideal husband’. Oak does not have the academic intelligence or education of the ‘ideal husband’ which may explain why he is occupied on a farm and does not work in a higher-paid job, or in Boldwood’s case, a yeoman farmer. Farm work was common in the late 1800s and farm workers were poor people and few were regarded as the social graces of the town. Oak was not popular in Weatherbury for his wealth or family reputation as he grew up in a working-class family, like Hardy who uses Oak to portray his lifestyle and characteristics. These qualities were expected by Victorian women of potential husbands. Women expected their husbands to be romantic and charming, with the husband perhaps often complimentary gifts to maintain good relations in the marriage. Oak is not a romantic man who will cosset a woman with expensive gifts to please her. Instead he is a sensible and practical man who believes in the spiritual and moral qualities of a relationship more than the financial qualities. Oak is quite lifeless and boring, which does not appeal to Bathsheba.

“…And at home, by the fire, whenever you look up, there I shall be- and whenever I look up, there will be you.”

“Wait, wait, and don’t be improper!”

Here, Oak expresses his future thoughts to Bathsheba, who does not approve of being a housewife sitting in front of a fire. She does not want him to make too many assumptions as she realises that she does not love him. This shows Oak is not a romantic man, and only offers stability.

Men from wealthy backgrounds were highly approved by the most attractive women in society, and would attract the most attention. Accompanied with their level of education, wealth was, and perhaps still remains, an essential factor for single ladies hunting for their ideal spouse..

As Frank Troy is a man who opposes the countryside, and supports modernization, Hardy portrays him as an insensitive and destructive man. Troy has an inability to exercise a sense of responsibilty. Following the wedding celebrations, Bathsheba’s ricks are almost in a state of complete destruction, and it is ironic that Oak is the one who labours with Bathsheba to avert the catastrophe, when Troy appears the hero. Troy is a weak man, who does not have the strength of character to confront Bathsheba in an argument, so he turns violent and begins shouting, a sign of shallowness. Troy’s shallowness is demonstrated as he constantly bombards Bathsheba with outrageous flattery. But as his character develops, flattery of her soon turns to disrespect towards his eventual wife. Troy feels that living his own life perfectly is more important than showing respect to men and women equally. His disrespect for women is evident. “we’ll send the women-folk home! ‘Tis time they were in bed. Then we cockbirds will have a jolly carouse to ourselves! If any of the men show the white feather, let them look elsewhere for a winter’s work.”(P229 Ch 36) In this quotation, Troy’s attitude towards women is shown. He believes that women are inferior to men, and that only the men should be permitted to enjoy themselves, whilst the women are asleep in the house. This attitude would not be typical of the ideal Victorian husband, as the manner in which Troy addresses his fellow males is too harsh considering the rising feminist movements. Although, the men would be the most likely to control the home and would send the women home to bed, but would perhaps advise them to rest and be safe than dictate orders.

Troy manipulates Bathsheba in order to gain his own selfish desires. He flatters her constantly, but his flattery is not genuine, and his comments towards her are used to ensure that Bathsheba feels that their marriage is safe. When Troy asks her for money for horse racing (which she does not approve of) Bathsheba is disheartened as she recalls his flattery of her, and realizes that it is false.

“Only such a few weeks ago you said that I was far sweeter than all your pleasures put together, and that you would give them all up for me … Come, let me fascinate you … by pretty words and pretty looks … to stay at home.” (P255 Ch 41)

Here, Bathsheba exposes Troy as a deceitful manipulator. This is a pure example of how Troy’s flattery fools Bathsheba, but she begins to realise his weak character as the novel progresses. The quotation shows how Troy is egetistical and does not have much consideration for his spouse. Troy’s views on Bathsheba change constantly, showing an unpredictable side to his character. These characteristics do not comply to the stereotypical Victorian man, as men respected their wives and were constant and faithful to them. They would be expected not to commit adultery, such was their devotion.

His manipulative manner is exposed again when Bathsheba explains to Oak how Troy told her flatly that he had seen a more attractive woman than her, expecting her to accept that he does not see her as his most loved one. “But I was coming away, when he suddenly said he had that day seen a woman more beautiful than I, and that his constancy could not be counted on unless I at once became his …” (p240 Ch 37) This gives an image of a man who does not have undivided care for a woman, but is a free spirit and only cares for his personal satisfaction. When he sees an attractive woman, he tells Bathsheba, which discomforts her. A Victorian man would not draw a woman’s attention to a good-looking lady if he thought she was of higher quality than his wife. Troy is not respectful in this way and insinuates an adulterous nature.

Deceit is another of Troy’s vices which contradict our idealised perception of Victorian men. Troy’s temperament is tested when Bathsheba inquires about a curl of hair she notices inside his watch, and wonders whom the hair belongs to. Troy reacts by lying to her, but Bathsheba is not convinced with his lies.

“A woman’s curl of hair!” she said. “O, Frank who’s is that?”

“Why, yours, of course. Whose should it be? I had quite forgotten about it.”

“What a dreadful fib, Frank!”

“I tell you I had forgotten it!” he said loudly. (P256 Ch 41)

Troy shows that he is easily angered when people confront him, and that he is a weak character who cannot contest his wife when she questions his actions and possessions. He simply reverts to shouting in an attempt to intimidate Bathsheba. The adverb “loudly” shows he is trying to dominate Bathsheba so she will cease questioning him and will not be suspicious of his actions. Troy tries to convince her that the hair belongs to her, and that he would only keep paraphernalia relevant to his marriage and tries to display his devotion to Bathsheba,“… yours, of course”. His emphatic and aggressive tone shows his deceit towards his wife and that he still admires Fanny Robin. The fact, however, that he abandoned her is an example of his inexperienced and impulsive behaviour.

Bathsheba’s third suitor also exhibits many typical features of the ideal model. Boldwood’s attitude towards Bathsheba is of the same manner as Oak’s; respecting her, caring for her and acting politely towards her. These characteristics would match the ideals of a Victorian man. Boldwood is serious and dignified, and his nature is overwhelmed by the obsessive quality of his love for Bathsheba. Being a yeoman farmer, he has the wealth which women strive for in an ‘ideal husband’, and this would allow him to attract women. Boldwood is protective towards Bathsheba and takes great interest in her movements as he pursues her. Women liked to feel protected by their husbands in a relationship, and Boldwood’s characteristics meant that he could provide stability in a marriage.

However, Boldwood’s age would prevent him from attracting the best-looking women, and his obsessive nature towards women he loves would make potential spouses perhaps feel trapped or intimidated by Boldwood, especially considering women’s growing independence. He blackmails Bathsheba into a reluctant and unhappy agreement to marry him in seven years time, which pleases him, but the reader may feel that Boldwood does not respect the fact that Bathsheba needs time to consider her future options. It appears that Boldwood is unable to direct his thoughts away from Bathsheba, therefore neglecting everything else in his life, including the management of his farm. This compares him to Troy, who is selfish, and unable to control his emotions and passions. Nevertheless, Boldwood still respects her.

Gabriel Oak is a male rustic, and therefore would be classed as a member of the working class. Unlike Boldwood, Oak does not own the farm he works on. A middle-aged farm worker, Oak is stoical and respectful. Men of the working class who were farm workers were quite humble, and appreciative. Oak’s love for nature reflects the fact that he is so closely involved with the landscape, drilling and shearing sheep, that they feel part of it. His respect for women is obvious, especially those of a higher stature, like Bathsheba. Oak respects people who are greater privileged than him and for their achievements in reaching such a high level of occupation and lifestyle.

Troy, being a former Sergeant, is a disciplined male who believes that women are inferior to men. This attitude reflects that of a Sergeant, as women were not allowed to join the army and therefore were subordinate. Troy shows his vanity as he dazzles Bathsheba with a theatrical demonstration of sword play, expressing his skills to impress her. Men in the army would show off their trained skills to attract and impress women. Troy is immaculately groomed in his appearance, which was an essential factor in the army for Sergeant and Corporals.

‘… an erect, well-made young man.’ (P244 Ch 39)

Here, the quotation confirms Troy as an attractive man, proud of his appearance.

Hardy does not give the image that one of the characters is an exact replica of a Victorian man, as this would make the reader feel that the particular character was not realistic. Hardy deviates from the stereotypical model of an ideal Victorian man to create his main characters (the three suitors) as identifiable, with flaws and strengths in personality.

As Hardy was a man with respect for nature, he represents Oak as the more admirable and likeable of the two men, and the one who conforms best to the ideal man of the 1870s. The name ‘Gabriel’ gives the reader an insight into his character, a ‘good angel’ who is the hero of the novel, whilst ‘Oak’ suggest his character is a strong individual, and has associations with nature. Hardy admires Oak for his devotion to Bathsheba, and his respect for her.

“I will help to my last effort the woman I have loved so dearly” (p231 Ch 36)

Oak’s clear devotion to Bathsheba is evident here, and his caring attitude impresses Bathsheba who feels slightly shy to praise his actions. Oak’s attitude towards women is like that of a stereotypical man in the Victorian age; protecting his loved one, caring for her, whilst being brave and heroic. Unlike his image of Oak he gives to the reader, Hardy portrays Troy as the more detestable of the two characters as he was not a fond lover of nature. Hardy feels it is appropriate to give the reader a villain, and therefore characterizes him as a person who is opposed to Hardy’s own feelings and attitude of respect.

“… it is foolish of you to take away my money so …”

“Humbug about cruel. Now there ‘tis again – turn on the water-works; that’s just like you.”

Here Troy shows his cruelty towards his wife, and tries to deflate her, claiming she is weak and cries when she feels defeated, showing his disrespect for her. Hardy’s moral message to the reader is that one should not judge an individual on their appearance. He feels that because Troy is attractive and young, he would appear as a likeable character, whereas in contrast Oak’s character is not as lively as Troy. However, Oak is portrayed as a polite gentleman and his respect for women is genuine and is the novel’s hero, whereas Troy is manipulative and disrespectful, proving his moral message.

Compare and contrast Oak and Troyas representations of 'The Victorian Man'.

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