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Synopsis First published in 1874, this was Hardy's fourth novel. It became so successful that Hardy gave up architecture and remained devoted to writing. Hardy’s fourth novel, published in 1874, ‘Far from the madding Crowd’ became so successful that Hardy was the able to give up architecture and devote himself to writing. The theme of ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ the contrast between patient and generous devotion and selfish, unscrupulous passion, seems to have been a favorite of Hardy’s as it occurs in some of his other novels as well, Gabriel Oak, in serving Bathsheba Everdene, owner of a farm, shows unselfish devotion; but greatly as she relies upon him, Bathsheba nevertheless cannot think of him as a suitor. One of her admirers is Boldwood, owner of a neighboring farm, Events take a nasty turn with the arrival of Sergeant Troy, who seduces one of Bathsheba's maids, Fanny Robin, but deserts her.  Yet Troy succeeds in charming Bathsheba to marry him. Soon he begins to ill-treat her, and when the news comes that Fanny has died in childbirth in a poorhouse, he leaves the farm and disappears. It is thought that he has been drowned. Farmer Boldwood, still very much wanting to marry Bathsheba, throws a party, at which he makes Bathsheba promise that she will marry him sometime in the future. Troy, however, appears at this party, and unable to bear Troy’s interference in his life any further, Boldwood shoots him. He is tried, but is declared insane. Gabriel oak’s faithfulness is at last rewarded and he is married to Bathsheba Everdene.