In this scene, Troy tries to use pathos to win over Bathsheba:
“[...] I will speak my mind, regardless of your pleasure, and without hoping or intending to get your pardon. Why, Miss Everdene, it is in this manner that your good looks may do more harm than good in the world…Probably some one man on an average falls in love with each ordinary woman. She can marry him: he is content, and leads a useful life. Such women as you a hundred men always covet—your eyes will bewitch scores on scores into an unavailing fancy for you—you can only marry one of that many.”
Here, Troy sets himself up as a truth-teller whose words are only meant to express what he believes (“I will speak my mind, regardless of your pleasure”). Then he proceeds to play on Bathsheba’s emotions and ego. He claims that Bathsheba is so beautiful, the disappointment she arouses in men who cannot have her does more harm to the world than good. He goes on to list all the ways that men who are married to women other than Bathsheba are likely to destroy themselves after seeing her (alcoholism, pining, and “moping” their lives away).
Troy’s presentation of these images reflect his understanding of Bathsheba’s psychological weaknesses. He knows exactly where her greatest vulnerability lies—pride in her appearance—and exploits this vulnerability to get her attention.
The use of pathos here tells readers that Troy is an untrustworthy, manipulative person. What’s more, his delivery—which is smooth and unwavering—suggests he is more experienced and sophisticated than Bathsheba and will pose a problem for her going forward.
