The Mayor of Casterbridge Plot Summary
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Questions and Answers

What does Henchard do in an auction that starts as a joke but turns serious?

  • Becomes a sailor
  • Sells his wife and daughter (correct)
  • Buys a farm
  • Gives away his property

    • How long does Henchard swear not to drink alcohol for?

  • 18 years
  • 21 years (correct)
  • 30 years
  • 10 years

    • What relation does Elizabeth-Jane believe Henchard is to her when they reunite after 18 years?

  • Brother
  • Father
  • Cousin
  • Long-lost relative (correct)

    • How does Susan's death affect the relationship between Henchard and Farfrae?

    <p>Henchard becomes jealous of Farfrae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who does Henchard hire as the new manager of his corn business?

    <p>Donald Farfrae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does Henchard decide to court and remarry Susan after her return?

    <p>To prevent Elizabeth-Jane from learning about their past</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What promise does Henchard make in the church after selling his wife and daughter?

    <p>Not to drink alcohol for 21 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to Susan soon after remarrying Henchard?

    <p>She falls ill and dies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who does Henchard regret selling in the auction?

    <p>Wife and daughter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does Henchard ask Farfrae to leave his business?

    <p>Out of jealousy and feeling inferior to Farfrae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does Henchard become cold towards Elizabeth-Jane?

    <p>He discovers she is not his biological daughter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What causes Lucetta to become ill and eventually die?

    <p>Seeing the skimmity-ride event.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Henchard react to Newson's return to town?

    <p>He lies to Newson about Elizabeth-Jane being dead.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does Elizabeth-Jane snub Henchard on the night of her wedding?

    <p>She learns about Henchard's deceit.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is revealed in Henchard's will as his dying wish?

    <p>His wish to be forgotten.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What motivates the peasants to organize the skimmity-ride event?

    <p>To humiliate Lucetta and Henchard for their past romantic involvement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does Newson leave in sorrow after visiting Henchard's house?

    <p>Henchard tells him false information about Elizabeth-Jane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does Lucetta come to Casterbridge?

    <p>To marry Henchard upon hearing of Susan's death.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason Henchard decides to leave Casterbridge?

    <p>To avoid a confrontation with Newson.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What triggers Elizabeth-Jane's regret after snubbing Henchard?

    <p>She realizes the depth of Henchard's loneliness and sorrow.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of Henchard's name in the novel?

    <p>It is a symbol of his integrity and reputation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does Susan play in emphasizing the importance of reputation in the novel?

    <p>She warns Elizabeth-Jane about maintaining respectability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Henchard's past decision impact his life in the novel?

    <p>It causes him to face constant guilt and regret.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What symbolic role does 'The Ring' play in the novel?

    <p>It symbolizes the town's connection to ancient Roman history.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is Henchard unable to escape the consequences of his past actions?

    <p>Because his actions have a lasting impact on his life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What lesson does Henchard come to realize about his past as depicted in the novel?

    <p>That he must confront and accept his mistakes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Lucetta differ from Henchard in terms of addressing their past mistakes?

    <p>Lucetta tries to cover up her history with Henchard.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'defiant endurance' represent in relation to Henchard's character?

    <p>His perseverance and resilience in facing challenges.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Henchard's jealousy towards Farfrae impact his life in Casterbridge?

    <p>It results in a destructive competition that harms Henchard.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Henchard's perception of his own worth contribute to his character development?

    <p>It drives him to seek redemption for past mistakes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of Michael Henchard's character distinguishes him as a 'Man of Character'?

    <p>His volatile temper and insecurities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Michael Henchard's life end in 'The Mayor of Casterbridge'?

    <p>He dies an unremarkable death in a humble cottage in the woods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What quality of Michael Henchard does Thomas Hardy emphasize as making him a 'Man of Character'?

    <p>His determination to suffer and endure great pain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Henchard stipulate in his will regarding his legacy in Casterbridge?

    <p>He wants no one to mourn or remember him.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Henchard bear the burden of his mistakes throughout the novel?

    <p>By suffering the consequences and enduring pain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What marks a significant contrast between Henchard's character and the traditional concept of a 'Man of Character'?

    <p>His volatile temper and insecurities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Henchard's relationship with Elizabeth-Jane exemplify his character's complexities?

    <p>He deceives her despite caring about her deeply.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'The Mayor of Casterbridge' portrays Henchard's worth as a 'Man of Character' based on his ability to:

    <p>Endure great pain and suffer the consequences of his actions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'The Mayor of Casterbridge' depicts Michael Henchard as distinct from a typical 'Man of Character' due to his:

    <p>Insecurities and volatile temper leading to negative consequences</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key quality distinguishes Michael Henchard as a notable character in 'The Mayor of Casterbridge'?

    <p>His determination to endure suffering and consequence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    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

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on the plot of Thomas Hardy's novel 'The Mayor of Casterbridge'. Explore the main events such as Michael Henchard selling his wife and daughter, and his vow to abstain from alcohol for twenty-one years.

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