The Mayor of Casterbridge Plot Summary

Henchard's Life and Character

• Henchard sells his wife and daughter, Susan and Elizabeth-Jane, in an auction that starts as a joke but turns serious
• He swears not to drink alcohol for 21 years
• Elizabeth-Jane believes Henchard is her father when they reunite after 18 years
• Susan's death affects the relationship between Henchard and Farfrae, making Henchard more isolated
• Henchard hires Farfrae as the new manager of his corn business
• He decides to court and remarry Susan after her return to prove his worth and reputation
• In the church, Henchard makes a promise not to drink for 21 years
• Soon after remarrying Henchard, Susan dies
• Henchard regrets selling his wife and daughter in the auction
• He asks Farfrae to leave his business due to jealousy and rivalry
• Henchard becomes cold towards Elizabeth-Jane due to his own pride and sense of rejection
• Lucetta's illness and eventual death are caused by the skimmity-ride event, which reveals her past relation with Henchard
• Henchard reacts with anger and hostility to Newson's return to town, feeling threatened
• Elizabeth-Jane snubs Henchard on her wedding night because she feels shame and resentment towards him
• In his will, Henchard's dying wish is to have no funeral or mourning
• The peasants organize the skimmity-ride event to shame and punish Lucetta for her past mistakes
• Newson leaves in sorrow after visiting Henchard's house, realizing the complexity of Henchard's character
• Lucetta comes to Casterbridge to escape her past and start anew
• Henchard decides to leave Casterbridge due to his feelings of shame, guilt, and rejection
• Elizabeth-Jane's regret after snubbing Henchard is triggered by her realization of his humanity and vulnerability
• The significance of Henchard's name in the novel is its association with his complex character and tumultuous life
• Susan plays a crucial role in emphasizing the importance of reputation in the novel
• Henchard's past decision to sell his wife and daughter impacts his life in the novel, leading to feelings of guilt and shame
• 'The Ring' symbolizes Henchard's past mistakes and his inability to escape their consequences
• Henchard is unable to escape the consequences of his past actions due to his pride and stubbornness
• Henchard comes to realize that his past defines him and that he must take responsibility for his mistakes
• Lucetta differs from Henchard in that she takes responsibility for her past mistakes and tries to make amends
• 'Defiant endurance' represents Henchard's persistence and resilience in the face of adversity
• Henchard's jealousy towards Farfrae impacts his life in Casterbridge, leading to rivalry and conflict
• Henchard's perception of his own worth contributes to his character development, as he struggles to prove himself
• What distinguishes Michael Henchard as a 'Man of Character' is his flaws, mistakes, and humanity
• Henchard's life ends in isolation and despair, with him realizing the consequences of his past actions
• Thomas Hardy emphasizes Henchard's ability to acknowledge and learn from his mistakes as making him a 'Man of Character'
• Henchard stipulates in his will that he wants no funeral or mourning, emphasizing his desire for humility and simplicity
• Henchard bears the burden of his mistakes throughout the novel, struggling with guilt, shame, and regret
• What marks a significant contrast between Henchard's character and the traditional concept of a 'Man of Character' is his flaws and humanity
• Henchard's relationship with Elizabeth-Jane exemplifies his character's complexities, marked by love, rejection, and regret