GABRIEL OAK
It is generally admitted that mastery of
character is the first essential of the novelist's art. Hardy's greatness in
this field is seldom questioned. Gabriel Oak is the hero of ' Far From the
Madding Crowd'. He is one of the Hardy's most impressive creations. He is the
protagonist of the whole human drama. He represents Hardy's conception of rural
character at its best.
Gabriel Oak is an ideal shepherd farmer. He knows well how to take care
of newborn lambs and to feed them. He works as double supervisor of Bathsheba's
and Bold wood's farms. He shows the gifts of management and prudence in
agricultural affairs. After Bold wood's imprisonment, he makes arrangements for
taking the Little Weatherbury farm in his own hands. Thus he is a complete
shepherd and a complete farmer.
Hardy's ' Far From the Crowd' begins with the description of Gabriel Oak
as a countryman. He has all the good qualities of a countryman. He loves nature
and enjoys outdoor life. He is simple and unsophisticated man. He is an animal
lover. He has good regard for dumb creatures of nature.
Gabriel Oak falls in love with Bathsheba. Though she turns down his
proposal of marriage, he remains her faithful lover. He becomes a shepherd of
his mistress and goes on serving her whole-heartedly. Oak is an ingressive
lover. His chivalry has been presented in a beautiful scene. When his friends
are speaking against his beloved at Malt house, he shakes his fist against
them.
Gabriel Oak is the most steady man among Hardy's heroes. He is always
guided by reason and controls his rebellious emotions. When Bathsheba rejects
his offer of marriage, he accepts that his love for Bathsheba must be put
aside. The character of Oak can be compared to a large Oak tree.
In short, Gabriel Oak is an embodiment of
the best features of rural manhood and simplicity. He is a Wordsworthian man.
In fact, he is a master in the art of life. With his courage, patience,
endurance, tenderness and unselfishness Oak occupies a secure place in our
hearts.
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