Chapter 39
Secrets on the Hill
COMING HOME—A CRY On the turnpike road, between Casterbridge and Weatherbury, and about three miles from the former place, is Yalbury Hill, one of those steep long ascents which pervade the highways of this undulating part of South Wessex. In returning from market it is usual for the farmers and other gig-gentry to alight at the bottom and walk up. One Saturday evening in the month of October Bathsheba’s vehicle was duly creeping up this incline. She was sitting listlessly in the second seat of the gig, whilst walking beside her in a farmer’s marketing suit of unusually fashionable cut…
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Now let's explore the literary elements.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"pluck and sauciness you formerly had"
Context: Troy insults Bathsheba when she presses him about race losses
Contempt replaces courtship once he controls her money and status.
In Today's Words:
Troy tells Bathsheba she has lost her boldness and implies he would not have married her if he had known she would be so timid. Cruelty arrives after access to her funds. When a partner mocks your fear about shared money, treat that as information about the marriage, not a mood you can charm away.
"Please, sir, do you know at what time"
Context: Fanny asks Troy about the workhouse closing time on Yalbury Hill
Her question is practical; his panic reveals a hidden bond.
In Today's Words:
Fanny asks what time the Casterbridge workhouse closes, speaking to Troy over his shoulder on the hill. She is seeking shelter; he is hiding a past. When a stranger's practical question makes someone you trust freeze, assume history, not coincidence, until facts replace guesses. The pattern is not abstract. It appears whenever charm, guilt, or
"Stay where you are, and attend to the horse"
Context: Troy sends Bathsheba ahead with the horse while he tends Fanny
Command replaces explanation; he controls the scene by splitting witnesses.
In Today's Words:
Troy throws Bathsheba the reins and orders her to stay with the horse while he helps the fallen woman. He removes his wife from the conversation before it can become testimony. When someone in authority separates you from a scene they control, note what they fear you might hear.
"Nothing to either of us"
Context: Troy answers Bathsheba's question about the woman on the hill
A bold lie followed by speed ends the conversation by force.
In Today's Words:
Bathsheba asks who the woman was, and Troy says she is nothing to either of them though he admits recognizing her. The lie is thin, so he whips the horse into a trot instead of explaining. When answers come with punishment for asking, believe the silence more than the sentence.
Thematic Threads
Deception
In This Chapter
Troy lies about knowing Fanny while orchestrating a secret meeting, using his gambling losses to distract from this deeper betrayal
Development
Evolved from his earlier charm and evasiveness into active, calculated deception that threatens Bathsheba's entire foundation
In Your Life:
You might recognize this when someone's explanations for their behavior don't quite add up, especially during stressful times.
Financial Control
In This Chapter
Troy casually dismisses losing over a hundred pounds gambling, showing complete disregard for their financial security
Development
Developed from earlier hints of his careless spending into open contempt for Bathsheba's legitimate concerns about money
In Your Life:
You see this when a partner makes major financial decisions without consultation or dismisses your money concerns as 'overreacting.'
Power Dynamics
In This Chapter
Troy mocks Bathsheba for losing the boldness he once found attractive, using her vulnerability against her
Development
Evolved from his initial pursuit of her strength into contempt for the very qualities that attracted him
In Your Life:
This appears when someone punishes you for the changes they themselves caused in the relationship dynamic.
Class Vulnerability
In This Chapter
Fanny's destitution and desperation make her completely dependent on Troy's charity and secrecy
Development
Continues the theme of how economic powerlessness makes people vulnerable to exploitation and abandonment
In Your Life:
You might experience this when financial stress makes you dependent on someone who doesn't have your best interests at heart.
Recognition
In This Chapter
Both Troy and Fanny immediately recognize each other despite the darkness, showing their intimate past connection
Development
Introduced here as the moment when hidden connections surface despite attempts to conceal them
In Your Life:
You see this when body language, tone, or instant familiarity reveals relationships that someone claimed didn't exist.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
This is not a test. Five prompts guide you through the chapter, from how it opens to how it closes, so you notice context and rhythm rather than facts to memorize. Sit with each question in your own words. When you see "One way to read it," treat it as a starting point, not the only answer.
- 1
How much money has Troy lost at Budmouth races, and how does Bathsheba respond?
analysis • surfaceOne way to read it
More than a hundred pounds in a month; she warns they may have to leave the farm and begs him not to bet again.
- 2
What does Troy do when Fanny Robin collapses on Yalbury Hill?
analysis • mediumOne way to read it
He orders Bathsheba to drive on, gives Fanny his last money, and arranges a Monday meeting at Grey's Bridge.
- 3
Why does Troy whip the horse after Bathsheba asks who the woman was?
application • mediumOne way to read it
He has lied that Fanny matters to neither of them and uses speed to end questioning.
- 4
Where have you seen someone control witnesses instead of answering a direct question?
application • deepOne way to read it
Accept examples where a partner, boss, or relative removed people from a conversation to manage fallout.
- 5
What would you ask Troy if you were Bathsheba at the top of the hill?
reflection • deepOne way to read it
Answers should demand names, prior promises, money trails, and why he refused to let her stay.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map the Betrayal Iceberg
Draw an iceberg diagram. Above the waterline, list Troy's visible betrayals that Bathsheba can see and fight about. Below the waterline, list the hidden betrayals that could destroy everything. Then think about a current conflict in your own life - what might be above and below your waterline?
Consider:
- •The visible problems often consume all our emotional energy
- •Hidden betrayals usually require the visible ones to stay concealed
- •The person creating surface drama may be buying time to manage deeper secrets
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you discovered that someone's annoying or hurtful behavior was actually covering up something much more serious. How did the discovery change your understanding of their earlier actions?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 40: The Journey of Broken Steps
Fanny Robin walks alone toward Casterbridge through rain and darkness, inventing crutches from fence wood and bargaining with each milestone until a dog helps her reach the workhouse door.
