The Mayor of Casterbridge

About the book

Michael Henchard commits an appalling act at a country fair while drunk, then attempts to build a different life through work and a severe promise to himself. Years later, as a prosperous merchant and mayor of Casterbridge, he confronts the return of people connected with that earlier life. Donald Farfrae's arrival introduces a younger man whose skill and temperament challenge Henchard's accustomed way of commanding respect. Hardy makes commercial rivalry, domestic affection, and public reputation reinforce one another until small decisions become difficult to contain. Elizabeth-Jane offers a contrasting way of attending to others within the same uncertain circumstances. The novel asks whether remorse can become change when pride continues to determine how a person accepts help, interprets competition, and responds to the independence of those he loves.

• Pride and remorse
• Rivalry
• The persistence of the past

Why read it

For a closely focused character study that connects one man's public standing with his most difficult private habits.

English text