Far from the Madding Crowd, Part 30 of 31

The Sleepy Bookshelf

Elizabeth continues reading Thomas Hardy's 'Far from the Madding Crowd,' covering Chapters 54 and 55, which depict the aftermath of Sergeant

Key takeaways

• Boldwood's actions stem from obsessive love and desperation, culminating in murder and self-surrender.

Main topics

• Romantic obsession and its tragic consequences
• Moral responsibility and justice in emotional turmoil

Notable quotes

"Bathsheba was astonishing all around her now, for her philosophy was her conduct, and she seldom thought practicable what she did not practice."

Conclusion

The episode ends with the community awaiting news of Boldwood's fate,

Transcript preview

Speaker 3 (0:00) Hello everyone. Before we begin tonight, I have an exciting new announcement to share with you. Since starting The Sleepy Bookshelf in 2021, we have been looking for new ways to help you sleep. Because we know how much you all love our Jane Austen seasons, I'm pleased to introduce The Sleepy Bookshelf, Just Jane, where we will read Austen's entire catalogue, one novel at a time. New episodes will release every Monday and Wednesday, so click the link at the bottom of the show notes to subscribe and follow along with the first season, Mansfield Park. I hope to see you there, to put down your worries from the day and pick up a good Jane Austen book. Speaker 3 (0:53) Before we get started tonight, I wanted to let you in on a little secret. For the best sleep, there's nothing better than the Sleepy Bookshelf's premium feed. You'll have ad-free access to the entire catalogue, so you don't have to listen to things like this. Plus, exclusive bonus stories in between our longer books. Follow the link in the show notes to learn more, and start your seven-day free trial tonight. Speaker 3 (1:31) Hello, it's Elizabeth, and I'm excited to share with you the newest show from Slumber Studios. It's called Sleepy History, and it's exactly what it sounds like. Intriguing stories, people, mysteries and events from history, delivered in a supremely calming atmosphere. Speaker 3 (1:55) Explore the legend of El Dorado. See what life was like for the Roman gladiators. Uncover the myths and mysteries of Stonehenge. You'll find interesting but relaxing episodes like these on Sleepy History and the same great production quality you've come to know and love from The Sleepy Bookshelf. So check it out. And perhaps you'll have another way to get a good night's rest. Just search Sleepy History in your preferred podcast player. Thanks for listening to The Sleepy Bookshelf tonight. You make this show possible. If you, like so many, would like to support us, then check out our premium feed, where you'll get ad-free access to the entire catalogue, plus exclusive episodes in between our longer books. There's a link to learn more in the show notes. Good evening. and welcome to the Sleepy Bookshelf, where we put down our worries from the day and pick up a good book. I'm Elizabeth, your host. Thank you so much for coming this evening. Tonight we'll be continuing far from the madding crowd. But first, as the day drifts gently beyond the horizon, allow your thoughts... to become as quiet as the night sky. With every slow breath, feel your body soften, releasing every weight you no longer need to carry. Wrapped in stillness, let a deep and peaceful calm settle around you like a warm blanket. There is nowhere to be. Speaker 3 (4:18) Nothing to do, only this gentle moment, carrying you softly into restful sleep. Boldwood prepared for his Christmas gathering full of hope, revealing to Gabriel that he intended to increase his share in the farm, before eventually retiring from management. Confident that Bathsheba would agree to become engaged, He carried with him a diamond ring for her, and eagerly awaited her arrival. Meanwhile, Sergeant Troy had returned, and sought to reclaim Bathsheba, dismissing Pennyways' warnings that his reappearance would cause chaos. As rumours spread that Troy was still alive, the villagers worried for both Bathsheba and Baldwood. but hesitated to intervene before Bathsheba arrived at the party. Before leaving the celebration, Bathsheba very reluctantly promised to marry Baldwood in six years if she were truly a widow, allowing him to place the engagement ring on her finger despite her deep distress. Speaker 3 (6:01) Only moments later, Troy appeared and demanded that she return home with him. When Bathsheba recoiled from his touch, Boldwood, overcome by despair, seized a gun from the gun rack over the mantelpiece and shot Troy dead before attempting to take his own life. Speaker 3 (6:27) Prevented from doing so, Baldwood quietly kissed Bathsheba's hand and disappeared into the darkness, leaving behind the horrified guests. And that is where we pick up tonight. So just lie back and relax as I turn to the next pages of Far From the Madding Crowd. Chapter 54 After the Shock Speaker 3 (7:17) Boldwood passed into the High Road and turned in the direction of Custerbridge. Here he walked at an even, steady pace over Yalbury Hill, along the dead level beyond, mounted Melstock Hill, and between eleven and twelve o'clock crossed the moor into the town. The streets were nearly deserted now. and the waving lamp flames only lighted up rows of grey shop shutters and strips of white paving, upon which his step echoed as he passed along. He turned to the right and halted before an archway of heavy stonework, which was closed by an iron-studded pair of doors. Speaker 3 (8:16) This was the entrance to the jail, and over it a lamp was fixed, the light enabling the wretched traveller to find a bell pull. The small wicket at last opened, and a porter appeared. Baldwood stepped forward and said something in a low tone, when after a delay another man came. Speaker 3 (8:49) Baldwood entered, and the door was closed behind him, and he walked the world no more. Long before this time, Weatherbury had been thoroughly aroused, and the wild deed which had terminated Baldwood's merrymaking became known to all. Of those out of the house, Oak was one of the first to hear of the catastrophe. And when he entered the room, which was about five minutes after Baldwood's exit, the scene was terrible. All the female guests were huddled, aghast against the walls like sheep in a storm, and the men were bewildered as to what to do. As for Bathsheba, she had changed. She was sitting on the floor beside the body of Troy,