Dr Diane Duffy’s popular study session series looking at Elizabeth Gaskell’s literary legacy continues. This season, she turns her attention to Far From the Madding Crowd, by Thomas Hardy.
After studying the links between George Eliot and Elizabeth Gaskell last season, it became plain that many themes in Gaskell’s work were recurring in Eliot’s: marriage, education, the position of women and the political situation in England. Another common feature was their serialisation in The Cornhill Magazine.
Cornhill readers required a specific kind of literature, which I will talk more about in the study sessions, so it is not surprising that Thomas Hardy, who published his first novel, Far from the Madding Crowd [1874] in the Cornhill, became an obvious choice to consider as one who may have carried forward Gaskell’s legacy.
Even on a superficial level, the rural community in Hardy’s Wessex can be compared with Gaskell’s Cheshire in works such as Cranford, Cousin Phyllis and Wives and Daughters. Similarly in Far From the Madding Crowd, Hardy is looking at the role of women and their marriage choices – clearly very Gaskell!”
In the novel, Bathsheba Everdene has three suitors: the constant, but humble, shepherd Gabriel Oak; the lonely, middle-aged landowner William Boldwood and the handsome, dashing Sergeant, Francis Troy – three very different men. Which will she choose – and will her choice be the right one?
Initially we will work through the novel looking at specific chapters and incidents and their importance. These can, where appropriate, be compared with Gaskell. In the final session we will look more thematically at the novel as a whole.
These sessions are friendly, interactive discussions. Join in the debate, or simply enjoy listening. All are welcome.
Diane Duffy
In-person sessions take place at Brook Street Chapel, Adams Hill, Knutsford WA16 8DY
Online access is via Zoom, from 2pm (UK time)
Use the button below to book your place at any/all sessions.
Click the links in the sessions list to read the Extracts and Points to ponder for that session.
Bookings
Doors open from 1pm: feel free to bring a packed lunch. The study session and Zoom meeting will begin at 2pm (UK time).
Simply come along and pay on the door, or use the Book Now button (no booking fee). Diane will also run the sessions on Zoom, so if you can’t join us in Knutsford, join us online. You’ll receive the Zoom link with your ticket.
List of Sessions
Session 1 (from 2pm, Tuesday 28 October 2025) – Chapters 1-11
Session 2 (from 2pm, Tuesday 25 November 2025) – Chapters 12-24
Session 3 (from 2pm, Tuesday 27 January 2026) – Chapters 25-35
Session 4 (from 2pm, Tuesday, 24 February 2026) – Chapters 36-46
Session 5 (from 2pm, Tuesday 31 March 2026) – Chapters 47-52
Session 6 (from 2pm, Tuesday 28 April 2026)
We’ll consider some of the novel’s themes, including setting, gender, religion, humour, and Victorian society. These can be compared with Gaskell and her treatment of similar subjects
If you buy Far From the Madding Crowd and Gaskell titles from Bookshop.org, the Gaskell Society will receive a small commission, helping us to continue our activities. Visit https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/gaskellsociety to see our booklists.