Far from the Madding Crowd

The story centers on Gabriel Oak, a young farmer characterized by his cheerful demeanor and sound judgment during the workweek. However, on Sundays, he struggles with moral ambivalence, feeling caught between devout churchgoers and the less respectable members of society. His internal conflict is reflected in his distracted thoughts during sermons, where he often drifts to mundane concerns like dinner. Gabriel's character is perceived variably by others, fluctuating between being seen as a bad or good man based on their moods, illustrating the complexities of morality and social perception.