The purpose of this essay is to examine and to describe the character of Michael Henchard as well as the character of Donald Farfrae. This essay will also try to find out the differences between the two men, in particular as far as their character traits are concerned. The subtitle of the novel suggests that the Mayor of Casterbridge is a ‘Man of Character’. A Man of Character’ is a person, in this case a man, who has a good character. However, the problem is that the man is not called by his name and there are two different mayors of the town- Michael Henchard and Donald Farfrae. For this reason all the information and details have to be gathered carefully in order to eventually find out to whom of them this term would apply and why.
Table of Contents
- Chapter 1: The Opening Scene and Michael Henchard's Character
- Chapter 2: Henchard's "Bearing" and Avoidance of Responsibility
- Chapter 3: The Sale of Susan and its Consequences
- Chapter 4: Eighteen Years Later: Henchard's Success and the Return of the Past
- Chapter 5: The Contrast Between Henchard and Farfrae
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to analyze and compare the characters of Michael Henchard and Donald Farfrae in Thomas Hardy's The Mayor of Casterbridge, focusing on their contrasting character traits and exploring how these traits influence their actions and lives. The essay investigates how Hardy uses the opening scenes to establish character and foreshadow later events.
- Character analysis of Michael Henchard
- Character analysis of Donald Farfrae
- The theme of responsibility and its avoidance
- The impact of the past on the present
- Contrast between old and new ways of life
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: The Opening Scene and Michael Henchard's Character: The opening chapter introduces Michael Henchard and his wife Susan as they walk to Weydon-Priors, their poor appearance and strained relationship immediately established. Hardy's detailed description of Henchard, emphasizing his "stern" and "swarthy" appearance, foreshadows his unlikeable character. The lack of communication between Henchard and Susan highlights their unhappy marriage, and Henchard's detached behavior reveals his unwillingness to address their problems. This sets the stage for his later actions and showcases Hardy's technique of revealing character through subtle details.
Chapter 2: Henchard's "Bearing" and Avoidance of Responsibility: This chapter delves into Henchard's recurring use of "bearing" as a justification for inaction and avoidance of responsibility. His perceived hardships and burdens often serve as excuses to shirk his duties, portraying him as selfish and irresponsible. Hardy contrasts Henchard's avoidance of responsibility with his own emphasis on human accountability, establishing a key thematic conflict within the novel. The concept of "bearing" becomes a framing device, reappearing throughout the narrative.
Chapter 3: The Sale of Susan and its Consequences: This chapter details Henchard's drunken sale of his wife Susan to a sailor, Newson. His attempt to justify his actions by referencing "Scripture history" reveals his reluctance to admit fault and his tendency to blame external factors. The immediate aftermath emphasizes Henchard's self-preservation over concern for Susan and their daughter, Elizabeth-Jane. His prioritizing of avoiding identification over finding his family reveals a deep-seated shame and fear of consequences. The chapter culminates with Henchard's oath to abstain from alcohol for 21 years, a self-imposed penance that again avoids taking full responsibility for his actions.
Chapter 4: Eighteen Years Later: Henchard's Success and the Return of the Past: This chapter marks a significant time jump, showcasing Henchard's rise to wealth and power as the mayor of Casterbridge. The arrival of Susan and Elizabeth-Jane brings the past crashing into his present, symbolized by Susan being referred to as "The Ghost" of Henchard's past. Henchard believes fulfilling his oath absolves him of his past mistakes, but his subsequent actions reveal that the past continues to haunt him and significantly influence his decisions. The chapter highlights the enduring impact of past actions and the impossibility of truly escaping one's history.
Chapter 5: The Contrast Between Henchard and Farfrae: This section introduces Donald Farfrae, a contrast to Henchard representing modern, scientific approaches to problem-solving. Farfrae's calm demeanor and intellectual approach are juxtaposed with Henchard's more old-fashioned and impulsive nature. The differences between the two men highlight a societal shift, symbolized by the changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution. Farfrae's generosity in assisting Henchard further emphasizes the difference in their characters and their approaches to life.
Keywords
Michael Henchard, Donald Farfrae, The Mayor of Casterbridge, character analysis, responsibility, avoidance of responsibility, the past, Industrial Revolution, old vs. new, social change.
Thomas Hardy's *The Mayor of Casterbridge*: A Comprehensive Guide
What is this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of The Mayor of Casterbridge, including a table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It is intended for academic use, facilitating analysis of the novel's themes in a structured and professional manner.
What are the main objectives of this analysis?
The primary objective is to analyze and compare the characters of Michael Henchard and Donald Farfrae. This involves examining their contrasting character traits and how these traits influence their actions and lives. The analysis also explores how Hardy uses the opening scenes to establish character and foreshadow later events.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
Key themes include character analysis (of both Henchard and Farfrae), responsibility and its avoidance, the impact of the past on the present, and the contrast between old and new ways of life (reflecting the societal shifts of the Industrial Revolution).
What are the chapter summaries provided?
The summaries cover five chapters: Chapter 1 introduces Henchard and his wife, highlighting their strained relationship and foreshadowing Henchard's flawed character. Chapter 2 analyzes Henchard's use of "bearing" as a justification for avoiding responsibility. Chapter 3 details the devastating consequences of Henchard's drunken sale of his wife. Chapter 4 shows Henchard's rise to power and the return of his past to haunt him. Chapter 5 introduces Farfrae, contrasting him with Henchard and highlighting the societal shift between their approaches to life.
What are the key words associated with this analysis?
Key words include Michael Henchard, Donald Farfrae, The Mayor of Casterbridge, character analysis, responsibility, avoidance of responsibility, the past, Industrial Revolution, old vs. new, and social change.
What is the Table of Contents included in this document?
The table of contents lists the following chapters: "The Opening Scene and Michael Henchard's Character," "Henchard's 'Bearing' and Avoidance of Responsibility," "The Sale of Susan and its Consequences," "Eighteen Years Later: Henchard's Success and the Return of the Past," and "The Contrast Between Henchard and Farfrae."
What type of audience is this document intended for?
This document is primarily intended for academic use, supporting research and analysis of Thomas Hardy's *The Mayor of Casterbridge*. It provides a structured framework for understanding the novel's central themes and characters.
Where can I find the full text of *The Mayor of Casterbridge*?
This document does not contain the full text of the novel. It's a supporting analysis. You can find the full text through various sources such as online libraries, bookstores, or academic databases.
- Quote paper
- Sarah Neubauer (Author), 2014, Description and comparison of the characters Michael Henchard and Donald Farfrae in "The Mayor of Casterbridge", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/283060
