At the start of the plot, Gabriel is in a promising economic position and his future looks rosy for him to advance far beyond the social standing into which he was born. Reversals of fortune and changes to a character's social position play a significant role in the novel. What role do reversals of fortune play in the novel? As Bathsheba matures and becomes wiser, she gains perspective about why Gabriel is a desirable partner, but at the start of the novel, she is too young and immature to realize this. It is only through the many challenges she experiences during the plot that Bathsheba comes to love Gabriel because of the dedication and reliability he shows, and because she realizes she wants a steadfast partner by her side. Bathsheba is also very proud and independent, and worries about whether or not she will like the close companionship involved in marriage. Without any of this context, Bathsheba does not feel love for Gabriel, and she does not want to marry a man she doesn't love simply because doing so will make her more secure. When he proposes, he also focuses on the ways in which he will be able to make Bathsheba economically comfortable, not the ways in which the two might enjoy each other's company, or have things in common. Gabriel is smitten by Bathsheba and proposes to her very quickly without allowing much time for them to get to know each other. Why does Bathsheba reject Gabriel's proposal at the start of the novel?
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |