The Portrayal of Gabriel Oak in Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy

In the novel Far from the Madding Crowd written by Thomas Hardy, I

will be observing in detail the main character, Gabriel Oak, a young

sheep farmer. I am going to determine how he is described as a heroic

character in the first seven chapters.

Gabriel Oak is portrayed to the reader as a heroic character in

several different ways. In chapter one, there is no action or events.

Alternatively, in the first paragraph, there is a description of Oak,

which is mainly focused on his broad smile. His smile is compared

using a simile, 'like the rays in a rudimentary sketch of the rising

sun.' This immediately implies that he is a cheerful, good-natured

character.

Secondly, he is referred to with many different names. Farmer Oak

illustrates his status, respect and authority. His Christian name,

Gabriel has a reference towards the bible, as Gabriel was the good

angel of God. Lastly, his surname, Oak, this may refer to wood as Oak

is strong and durable which may represent his strength and durability.

This is stressing the positive quality of Oak's character. The reader

starts to get an encouraging image of Gabriel once reading the first

two paragraphs.

Farmer Oak's background is rather straightforward although he has had

many jobs. He is conscientious and thorough as he cares greatly on how

everything is presented and what people think of him. He was firstly a

shepherd and then a bailiff before becoming a farmer. His father was a

shepherd, so he had grown up on a farm learning the skills required

from his dad.

Moreover, the clothes Gabriel wore were not pretentious. I know this

because on his working days he wore his clothes ...

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...ently 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.