Donald Farfrae is a young Scotsman, leaner and frailer than Henchard. However, what he lacks in physical strength, he more than makes up for in charm, wit, and good humor. Donald has a mind for mechanical things and business. But, whereas Henchard has no penchant for creative endeavors, Donald has […]

Read more Character Analysis Donald Farfrae

Elizabeth-Jane, tempered in poverty and the loss of her father, Newson, and her mother, resigns herself to study and self-betterment. Her beauty begins to flower with the more wholesome diet and relatively relaxed atmosphere of living in a wealthy home. She senses something improper in Susan and Henchard’s past relationship, […]

Read more Character Analysis Elizabeth-Jane

Hardy purposely drew Susan as a vague character. Before the end of the third chapter it becomes clear that she has suffered an outrage not to be endured. If her character were outlined more definitely, Hardy would be running the risk of displacing the focus from Henchard to Susan and […]

Read more Character Analysis Susan

Michael Henchard is a strong man with great energy. He has fine points in his character, but they are contrasted sharply with other less admirable qualities. Thus, he will try to make up for what he has done to Susan, but he will still remain rash and impetuous in his […]

Read more Character Analysis Michael Henchard

Summary It is about a month after the night of the wedding reception. Elizabeth-Jane has grown somewhat accustomed to her new position. Newson has gone to live at Budmouth in sight of the sea. A maid tells Elizabeth-Jane that they now know who had abandoned the birdcage near the back […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 45 – An Obscure Destiny

Summary Dressed as he was when he first came to Casterbridge, Henchard makes his way for six days to Weydon-Priors. There he re-enacts in his mind the events of his original rash deed and the consequences of it. He is unable to shake off his constant thoughts of Elizabeth-Jane. Finally […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 44 – Henchard Brings a Wedding Gift

Summary Henchard realizes that the town is filled with gossip about Donald and Elizabeth-Jane. The “philosophic party” among the rustics are the only ones entirely pleased at the thought of their marriage. Henchard begins to worry about the life he will lead once the two are married. One day he […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 43 – Henchard Leaves Casterbridge

Summary About a year passes. Farfrae, not knowing of Jopp’s malevolence, puts aside any plans to punish the perpetrators of the skimmity-ride. Henchard now owns a small seed shop purchased for him by the town council. Together he and Elizabeth-Jane begin to make a respectable living for themselves. However, even […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 42 – Farfrae and Elizabeth-Jane Meet Again

Summary Elizabeth-Jane visits Henchard on the morning of Lucetta’s death. There Henchard, moved to genuine love for his stepdaughter, offers to prepare breakfast while she refreshes herself with sleep. He waits for her “as if it were an honor to have her in his house.” While Elizabeth-Jane sleeps, Captain Newson, […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 41 – Henchard Lies to the Captain

Summary Henchard is unable to sleep due to his consternation at having fought with Donald. He makes his way into Casterbridge and there sees the skimmington-ride. He immediately understands its meaning and the possible consequences. He goes directly to Donald’s house, learns of Lucetta’s illness, and tries to inform the […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 40 – The Death of Lucetta