An Analysis of Oak's Character in Far from the Madding Crowd from the Perspective of Tao Te Ching

Oak's character in Far from the Madding Crowd is analyzed from the perspective of Tao Te Ching, so as to discuss the consensus between Chinese and western moral standards, and to explore the common ideal of individual morality in Chinese and western cultures. In Far from the Madding Crowd, Hardy depicted vividly Oak as the ideal character in line with the traditional moral standards. Oak perceives the Nature and deals with things according to the natural law; he follows the example of water which benefits others and does not compete; he pursues the thrifty and harmonious peaceful mental state. These virtues carried forward by Hardy are similar to the virtue standards put forward in Tao Te Ching.