It is a kind of coincidence that he drinks at Weydon-Priors and in his drunkenness, he sells his wife and daughter.

Selling his wife and daughter in his drunkenness, taking them by Richard Newson, successive establishment of Farfrae, Susan's death, naming the newly born child of Susan and Newson as Elizabeth-Jane, Henchard's failure in business, getting Susan and Elizabeth-Jane at Casterbridge, becoming the mayor of Casterbridge from a hay-trusser, coming to know the child as the sailor's daughter - all events of the novel are guided by the chances and coincidences. He is guided by his fate in every step of his life. In his novel The Mayor of Casterbridge too, there are a series of chances and coincidences throughout the whole plot structure. In Hardy's novel chance and coincidence play very vital and dominating role in determining the destiny of the character. One day soon thereafter, Elizabeth-Jane is startled to overhear that Henchard has taken up drinking for the first time in 21 years.The Mayor of Casterbridge as a Novel of Series of Chances and Coincidences However, Henchard appears to recant his misery by counting down to a certain date - the day when his solemn oath ends and he can partake in alcohol again. Henchard’s sorrows are many: Farfrae is rumored to be the next mayor and his loss of Lucetta is heavily regretted. Although there is great awkwardness that Farfrae is now Henchard’s employer, the role of an intermediary foreman lightens the stark relationship. Her care quickens his recovery, so much so that he seeks work as a hay-trusser and is hired by Farfrae immediately. He tries to push her away but she is adamant and remains. Meanwhile, Elizabeth-Jane has forced entry into Henchard’s existence by demanding to care for him since he has caught cold. Farfrae also explains that he wishes to give Henchard any of his belongings that are now in Farfrae’s possession, and Henchard is taken aback by the genuine kindness. He is disgusted to learn further that they have even purchased his old furniture! Jopp leaves Henchard alone with his thoughts, until Henchard is again interrupted, this time by Farfrae.įarfrae is saddened to hear Henchard’s bitterness at him, and he tries to offer Henchard lodging until he is on better standing but Henchard refuses the charity although thanking Farfrae for the proposal. There, he mopes until Jopp walks by and informs him that Farfrae and Lucetta have moved into his old home. One night, Henchard makes his way to a bridge, renowned for attracting the down-and-out personalities who want to revel in their misery privately.

The mayor of casterbridge sparknotes