After being in just a few chapters, some clear ideas on Troy’s personality and traits can be found. In chapter 11, a careless side to Troy is seen. He is in the barracks where he is met by Fanny at the window; he leaves her outside in the dark and cold to find her own place to stay the night. He will be “moderately truthful” to men but to women he would lie “like a Cretan”. It is described that he would waste time on “trivialities,” this is further illustrated by him being shallow and interested only in material gain when he buys himself out of the army and straightaway marries Bathsheba to take control her farm. He eventually gambles and drinks with the money and power that he has. Like Bathsheba he is very wild and spontaneous, often acting on impulse. He lives for the moment and always is “full of activity”. However his love for Fanny throughout the novel shows that he does have some good intentions. He is an intelligent character who was well educated and raised by a wealthy family. Many of his problems are because of the fact that he does not channel the intelligence he possesses.
There are two main themes and symbols that run with Troy throughout. The first of these is his connection with light. He is always seen or associated with light. His appearance is described as a “bright scarlet spot” an example of alliteration and light imagery. When Troy first meets Bathsheba, his “brilliant brass buttons” are highlighted, a further example again of alliteration and light imagery, showing how Troy is often shining. The continual reference to light and shining shows how Bathsheba’s view of Troy is made perfect, a shining man in the darkness. The second theme that runs with Troy in the novel is symbols of masculinity. When he gives Bathsheba a lesson with his sword is a phallic symbol, Troy is showing Bathsheba his virility. His makes Bathsheba feel “powerless” with his performance.
Troy continues to show his chauvinistic views towards women throughout the play. Troy has already been described as a liar “like a Cretan” towards women, he uses his charm and charisma to get what he wants. He lies to Bathsheba, flattering her so much making her “feverish”. He will win admiration and popularity from women at any cost; he rejects Fanny, deserting her with no money, eventually costing her life. It is described how “he could be one thing but seem another,” he is sly and often deceptive. The character of Troy lives by the philosophy that if you “treat them (women) fairly, and you are a lost man.” All of his actions in the play are supported by that perspective.
Troy can almost be interpreted as a male equivalent of Bathsheba. Both characters are vain, young, irresponsible, spontaneous and wild. Troy has a major significance in the novel; he adds another dimension to the main theme of love with his “true love” for Fanny, which runs from the beginning to end of the book. He is also a contrast to the other suitors of Bathsheba, Oak and Boldwood, he is not as shy and is much more forward and self-assured.
The character of Troy can be easily analysed after only the first few chapters in which he appears. He has an appearance that is used to add symbolism in his meetings with Bathsheba. His personality is thoroughly described, with his views on women clearly evident. He has significance in the play, by adding contrasts, comparisons and adding extra elements to the novel’s main themes.
