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Describe the contrasting ways in which Bathsheba is loved by Gabirel, Troy and Boldwood Bathsheba is loved by Gabriel, Boldwood and Troy but all three men love her in very different ways. Each at some point have probably loved her as much as the other, the biggest difference is not in the amount or strength of their feelings for her, but more how they each show that they love her, how obvious they make it to Bathsheba and the people around them and what effect Bathsheba’s behaviour has on them. Each of the men react very differently to Bathsheba on first encountering her, when Gabriel first sees her he and witnesses her indulging in her viewing her own reflection for no specific reason he thinks her quite strange and vain – “But she has her faults... Gabriel, perhaps a little piqued by the comely traveller’s indifference, glanced back to where he had witnessed her performance over the hedge, and said ‘Vanity’.” Although Gabriel criticises Bathsheba, calling her vain, he is still clearly attracted to her. This is clear because after he had observed her in her wagon he follows it down to the turnpike gate and on hearing the dispute over her paying the gatekeeper, he hands the money needed for her to pass over. He pays out of his own pocket, even though she is a complete stranger and from what he has seen not a particularly humble or needy one. She didn’t really give any good reason for not paying, there was nothing that implicated Gabriel in the situation or her dealings, he chose to become involved. When he payed for her to pass it was his chance to introduce himself and show his generosity, although it may have looked as if he was trying to impress her with his money from her point of view. If she were to know Gabriel's character better at this point she would know this was a genuine display of kindness towards her, but but previous experience may have taught her to be less trusting of men. Gabriel is interested in Bathsheba because she appears different to any other women he has encountered, she is unconventional in her mannerisms and her confident, unexpected actions. He first witnesses one of her unusual when he sees her riding like a man when she thinks no one is watching – “...then dexterously dropped backwards flat upon the pony’s back, her head over its tail, her feet against its shoulder and her eyes to the sky.” The way that Bathsheba moves excites Gabriel, he feels as if he is watching some private show. I think it is important the way Bathsheba positions herself on the horse with her head over its tail and her feet around its shoulders, this shows that she is not as self conscious and prim and proper as he may have thought, she is natural, humble and at one with nature, like him. She trusts the horse. The way that Bathsheba doesn’t want to be seen by anyone doing this, yet Gabriel alone has seen it, makes him feel intimate and close to her without really knowing her, he feels as if he can get to know a different side to her when she is not aware of his presence. Bathsheba evokes great curiosity in Gabriel and from watching her from afar he gets to know her better and he becomes fond of her peculiar ways and courageous nature. – “‘But there’s no side saddle.’ ‘I can ride on the other: trust me.’ Oak, upon hearing these remarks became more curious to observe her features... he straight away painted her beauty.” Not only is this mysterious young woman something astonishing and unlike anyone else Gabriel has ever met in the way she acts impulsively and unconventionally while retaining her female dignity, but she is the most attractive and striking woman he has ever seen. Maybe the way he sees her riding shows she possesses qualities he would not usually expect to find in an everyday young woman, her independence appeals to him. When Bathsheba saves his life she just amazes him further and when he awakens to find himself being held by her he begins to realise the capacity of his feelings – “he was endeavouring to catch and appreciate the sensation of being thus with her - his head upon her dress - before the event passed on into the heap of bygone things.” Even at the start of Gabriel’s affliction with Bathsheba he is content with any contact he experiences with her, he is happy just being near to her.
Approximate Word count = 2939
Approximate Pages = 11.8
(250 words per page double spaced)
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