Chapter 37
Symbols of Love
In the 2015 version of Thomas Hardy’s Far From the Madding Crowd (screenplay by David Nicholls), the handsome farmer, Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts), brings a gift to his new neighbor, the strong and beautiful Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan). It is a lamb that was born too soon and won’t survive the winter. Bathsheba immediately takes it into her arms and holds it to her breast, happiness blossoming on her face. Obviously this is a successful ploy on his part to warm up the independent Miss E. But it is also a symbolic gift.
It has several meanings, all working toward Gabriel Oaks’ goal: matrimony. The little lamb opens her heart. It symbolizes food and warmth. (Sheep provide meat and wool to these people.) ...
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