"Elegy in a Country Churchyard' is a poem written by Thomas Gray in 1750. It is from this poem Thomas Hardy took his title "Far From the Madding Crowd". The words of his title literally mean far from the town life, which is described as a maddening crowd. With the knowledge that the book is set in the countryside, you are given the impression that the characters will lead problem-free and peaceful lifestyles. Of course this is completely ironic as the main themes include troubled emotions and the characters' tribulations with unrequited love and lust. The plot is mainly driven however, by infatuation.
             Despite the fact that the story is set in the countryside "far from the madding crowd", this does not mean that the characters have tranquil lives. The plot is mainly based on three men's love for the beautiful yet vain Bathsheba Everdene. The first character to fall in love with Bathsheba is Gabriel Oak. He is modest and courageous and despite Bathsheba's rejection to his proposal of marriage – which he accepts – he is true and loyal to Bathsheba throughout the novel. Although Oak is thwarted in love he is not deterred and continues to adore her. He is willing to risk his life because he knows the importance of doing his job well for his mistress, as well as for the woman he loves.
             The first incident in which Gabriel helps Bathsheba is when her farm catches fire. Gabriel is merely passing by her home when he sees it going up in flames. "Oak suddenly ceased from being a spectator." He takes charge, and succeeds in extinguishing the fire. Everyone at the farm is very impressed with Gabriel's skills and it is this event which brings Bathsheba and Gabriel together again. Here she employs him as her shepherd.
             Gabriel helps Bathsheba again when her sheep have broken into a clover field and he saves the entire flock from dying of colic by his swift action in d
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