Fanny Robin (character analysis)

To a large extent, Thomas Hardy creates a very dull and weak picture of Fanny Robin in the novel, “Far from the Madding Crowd”. Her character makes me feel sad and angry as she is so severely mistreated that it is almost as if Hardy did not consider the fact that she is human and there is an extent to which she can take pain.

The very first time that we are introduced to Fanny in the novel, she is denied any individuality. Hardy refers to her as a spot, shape or simply, a shadow. She is given no identity of her own. Also, when it is shown that she is telling Gabriel Oak the way to the malt house and when after touching her hands and feeling her pulse, he offers her money, it can be said that she is not independent, yet very much dependant on others or helpless. Fanny does not walk with much confidence, rather with a bent down body and a clumsy walk.

Yet as much as she is shown as weak and powerless, Hardy had given her the strong characteristics of kindness and generosity. She helps Gabriel Oak when he wants directions. Also, it was known that she did not give any trouble throughout her service at the Everdene farm. Fanny is shown as a girl with a sweet and innocent nature, who is exploited by Sergeant Troy, so as to result in her unfortunate death.