Works of Thomas Hardy discussion

THE MAYOR OF CASTERBRIDGE: The Life and Death of a Man of Character

2nd Thread: Chapters 10 - 17



BBC - Michael Henchard - 1978 series



The Corn Exchange, High East Street, Dorchester (Benjamin Ferrey (1810-1880) - Broadmayne brick, with ashlar limestone dressings. 1847-48 - clock tower added in 1864; portal added in 1876)

This was also the setting for parts of Far From the Madding Crowd.

Here are LINKS TO EACH CHAPTER SUMMARY, and interpolated poem, for ease of location:

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

The Mock Wife (poem)

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

A Sheep Fair (poem)

Chapter 17

Chapter 10

As Henchard opens the door of his office to admit Elizabeth-Jane, a newcomer enters and steps forward before Elizabeth-Jane. This newcomer introduces himself as Joshua Jopp, the man Henchard was supposed to interview that day for the position of his business manager. Henchard tells Jopp that he has hired another man, despite having agreed to hire him subject to an interview. As Jopp leaves, Elizabeth-Jane reads the bitter expression in his face.

Elizabeth-Jane asks Henchard if she may speak with him on a personal matter. She itells him that his relative Susan Newson is in town and wishes to see him. Elizabeth-Jane introduces herself as Elizabeth-Jane Newson, which suggests to Henchard the truth of the situation: that Elizabeth-Jane does not know Henchard’s connection to her. Henchard invites her into his house and learns the circumstances of his wife and daughter’s seeming disappearance, as they had been living for a few years in Canada. Henchard discerns that, with Newson’s death, the pair have not been left well off. He writes a note to Susan and includes a five-pound note and five shillings:

“Meet me at eight o’clock this evening, if you can, at the Ring on the Budmouth road. The place is easy to find. I can say no more now. The news upsets me almost. The girl seems to be in ignorance. Keep her so till I have seen you. M. H.”

He said nothing about the enclosure of five guineas. The amount was significant; it may tacitly have said to her that he bought her back again.

Susan tells Elizabeth-Jane that Mr. Henchard has asked to meet her, but not where and when.

We have another insight here into Henchards's character. His engagement of Farfrae as his manager, despite his promise to Jopp, surely reveals a fundamentally self-centred nature. He wanted the best manager, and was willing to break his previous promise to achieve this. The character and status of Jopp here reminds me a little of (view spoiler)[ bailiff Pennyways (hide spoiler)] in Far From the Madding Crowd. It makes us wonder whether Jopp’s disappointment and bitterness might propel his need for revenge in some way. This could foreshadow a dark deed in the future.

Elizabeth-Jane returns with the note and money to The Three Mariners (the King of Prussia). Susan is emotionally moved at the sight of the note and asks Elizabeth-Jane to recount her experience of meeting Henchard. The note asks Susan to meet Henchard at eight o’clock that evening at The Ring outside of town. The enclosure of five guineas with the note is a significant sum, possibly indicating Henchard’s act of buying his wife back again for the same sum, or possibly indicating that he gives the money to her to make amends.

The five guineas enclosed with Henchard’s note are a symbol for both the characters within the novel and the reader. Henchard intends the money to be a symbolic representation of the reversal of his transaction with Newson. Henchard uses discretion in communicating with Susan and meeting with her privately—he wants to make up for his past shameful action, but quietly, without ever revealing the shame. In this he has not changed, feeling just as he felt the morning after he had sold his wife at the Weydon Priors Fair.

Elizabeth-Jane introducing herself as “Elizabeth-Jane Newson” irritates or hurts Henchard. He sees it as an indication of Susan’s desire to hide the past from their daughter. Elizabeth-Jane says ”Father was lost last Spring”, and we learned in chapter 3 that she carries a card that reports Newson’s death as occurring in November. He feels obligated to reconnect with Susan because of her poor situation, primarily for his daughter’s sake.

The writing in this chapter is skilful and subtle. It indicates the feelings and behaviour of the characters, but its ambiguity as to their motives allows us to build up our own picture of them.

And a little more …

Durnovaria

Thomas Hardy has described Casterbridge as a walled town several times. He has in mind Durnovaria the Roman name for what became Dorchester:




In pre-Roman times the main population in the area was probably at the hill fort of Maiden Castle, 2 miles southwest of the town centre. It later became the site of a 4th-century Romano-British temple.

The site of present-day Dorchester may have originally been a small garrison fort established shortly after the Roman conquest. When the military moved away, around CE 65–70, Durnovaria became a civilian settlement, one of twin capitals for the local Durotriges tribe.

There is more here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durnovaria
https://discoverdorchester.co.uk/a-da...

And yet more on locations

Henchard has asked Susan to meet him at The Ring, Casterbridge. This is Maumbury Rings, Dorchester, an ancient neolithic fort or earthworks, to the southwest outside the town. The Romans enlarged it to construct an amphitheatre structure, and used it for circuses and gladatorial combat. I’ll write a little more about this tomorrow, but the original readers would definitely have noticed how portentous this location of violence and entertainment is!



photo - Philip V. Allingham

Now over to you!

You said it all, Jean! Thanks for the background explanations and particularly the Ring on Budmouth road.

Indeed, Elizabeth-Jane, who is observant, noticed Joshua Jopp's "bitter disappointment written on his face everywhere", but Henchard apparently did not. Therefore, for many reasons, the frustrated man may be a ticking bomb.

There are many examples of Michael Henchard's impulsive behaviour here: his failing to be true to his word regarding Jopp, his almost forgetting about Farfrae who "wondered at the suddenness of his employer's mood". This may give Farfrae a feeling of insecurity - we do not forget that he has given up his plans to go to America and written to Bristol to get back his luggage, for Henchard's sake - and career openings.

Such impulsivity may have consequences for everyone including first of all for Henchard, as we know from the beginning, when he sold his wife after too many basins of furmity laced with rum. We also noticed that he is confident with persons he likes but barely knows, so that many know about his oath without knowing the reason behind. Farfrae is one of them even if he does not know the bottom of the things.

Another thought crosses Henchard's mind:

“Begad!” he suddenly exclaimed, jumping up. “I didn’t think of that. Perhaps these are impostors—and Susan and the child dead after all!”

Even if we know that Susan and her daughter are no impostors, Henchard's sudden impulse - not so irrational after all - might nevertheless open unpredictable possibilities and keep the readers of installments on alert and stimulate their imagination.

I also think we haven't seen the last of Jopp. He'll be back. He's travelled a long way, with expenses, to find out his job is gone. That's not going to sit well.

Jean has said everything else. Henchard is trying to make some sort of amends, but without anyone knowing. The only thing differentiating his old self with his current self is the oath not to drink. That bodes ominous, considering there isn't much time left on the oath.

Jean, thanks for the photos and backgrounds. I didn't put a lot of significance on The Ring being the meeting location, but knowing the history of the location gives another level of meaning to it.

I also worry that Joshua Jopp might do something to take revenge on Henchard. I was surprised that Henchard did not at least reimburse the man for his travel expenses to smooth things over. If Jopp stays in Casterbridge, he could get hired by someone who wants to compete with Henchard since he knows the business of corn trading.

Henchard will not want the people in town to know of his bad behavior in selling Susan years ago. He is a man full of pride. I wonder how he is going to help Susan while also saving his own reputation. He can't meet Susan in his house partly because Farfrae is now living there.

Thank you for your excellent commentary and photos, Jean!

Bionic Jean wrote: "The writing in this chapter is skilful and subtle. It indicates the feelings and behaviour of the characters, but its ambiguity as to their motives allows us to build up our own picture of them."

I appreciate you pointing this out, Jean. It seems particularly apparent here, and is really working for this reader!

I wonder what the congenial Farfrae will think of the way Henchard handled Jopp? (I keep calling him "Jip" in my mind, reminiscent of Dora's dog in David Copperfield!)

Loved learning about Durnovaria, Jean. Thank you!

LOL it sounds as if I said what everyone was thinking! This chapter 10 seems to be loaded with dramatic potential doesn't it?

We all concur with Henchard's selfish behaviour possibly "giv[ing] Farfrae a feeling of insecurity", as Claudia says, and Jopp being like a "ticking bomb" - what a great metaphor that is! 😊

Oh, I should have added that "Budmouth Road" is in reality "Weymouth Road". Weymouth is a smart seaside town which features in several of his novels.

Connie and Petra - Tomorrow's chapter has quite a lot about the history of Casterbridge and the Ring, so it seemed a good idea to introduce it. More images then 😊

Kathleen - I like the ambiguity too! It adds realism for me. We never know quite what to make of someone when we first meet them, and "meeting" characters in a book like this is similar, I think.

Just finished this chapter and I too think your comments about the chapter are spot on, Jean! Henchard still seems to be impulsive, even without the drink ....

I totally missed it was Elizabeth-Jane observing Jopp's disappointment. Thank you all for pointing that out!

The picture of the Maumbury Ring makes the place look ominous. I'm so glad you gave us that picture Jean!

I felt it was nice in this chapter to finally have Henchard and Elizabeth-Jane meet. Lots of good tension in the story building up to that point. And now there is tension about Farfrae and Elizabeth Jane. And also Jopp. Which makes me see what Hardy meant by writing this for serial publication . . . leaving little cliffhangers so readers will return.

Bridget, you certainly know that Thomas Hardy was the inventor of the Cliffhanger 🙂!

That technique had already been used by writers before, but like the Cliff in A Pair of Blue Eyes, it had no name yet. ((view spoiler)[I know Cornwall and I happen to have walked quite a lot exactly there! (hide spoiler)])

Chapter 11

The town of Casterbridge shows its Roman heritage in its architecture and every street, alley, and precinct. Farmers in the fields frequently uncover Roman skeletons while digging in the ground. One mark of Roman history is The Ring, a fine amphitheater existing from this earlier civilisation. The Ring in Henchard and Susan’s day serves primarily as a spot for furtive encounters, however, it never serves as the site of happy secret meetings between couples. The dark history of The Ring hangs over the place. The town gallows once stood in The Ring and various crimes have been committed in the secluded area. Visitors to the location report having seen ghosts of gladiators in broad daylight.

Henchard chose The Ring as the meeting location for himself and his long-lost wife. He hopes to maintain his reputation, and therefore cannot invite her to his house after nightfall. The pair meet in the middle of The Ring and do not speak at first, but Susan leans against Henchard who holds her in his arms:



“I don’t drink now — I haven’t since that night.” - Robert Barnes 30th January 1886

His first words are to tell her that he no longer drinks and has not done since that fateful night at the fair. He tells Susan that he thought she must have died, wondering why she kept silent and distant from him for so long.

Susan explains her confusion and the fact that she believed her commitment to Newson was binding. Henchard says that he thinks Susan innocent in her past actions, but he is frustrated by the thought of Elizabeth-Jane knowing the truth. Susan says she too could not bear for her daughter to know the truth, which is why she was brought up in ignorance. Henchard says that they must be careful to maintain the young woman’s ignorance, as well as to maintain his reputation in the town. He has developed the plan of securing a cottage in town for Susan and Elizabeth-Jane, and then staging their meeting, courtship, and marriage, so the pair may join Henchard in his home.

Henchard insists that the pair take nicer lodgings, so that they are perceived as genteel. Henchard repeats his anxiety about Elizabeth-Jane discovering the truth, and Susan assures him of how unlikely the young woman is to ever dream of the real story. As the two part, Henchard asks Susan if she forgives him. She struggles to respond, and he asks that she judge him by his future actions, rather than by the past.

“Right,” said Henchard. “But just one word. Do you forgive me, Susan?”
She murmured something; but seemed to find it difficult to frame her answer.
“Never mind--all in good time,” said he. “Judge me by my future works--good-bye!”

And a little more …

Skeletons!

“… He was mostly found lying on his side, in an oval scoop in the chalk, like a chicken in its shell; his knees drawn up to his chest; sometimes with the remains of his spear against his arm, a fibula or brooch of bronze on his breast or forehead, an urn at his knees, a jar at his throat, a bottle at his mouth …”

Three Roman skeletons were discovered during the excavations for Thomas Hardy’s house, Max Gate in 1883, just 3 years before The Mayor of Casterbridge was published. (A fibula is Latin for a clasp or buckle.)

Connie - didn't you lead a poem connected with this. a while ago? 🤔

And yet more …

The Ring - Maumbury Rings, Dorchester

As mentioned yesterday, during their colonisation of the Durotriges the Romans converted this ancient earthwork (dated to the early Bronze Age or late Neolithic period by excavations in 1908) into an amphitheatre for games and gladiatorial shows.

In 1685, at the close of the Monmouth Rebellion, Judge Jeffreys ordered eighty of the rebels to be executed here. A number of significant scenes occur here in Thomas Hardy's books, particularly this clandestine reunion of Susan and Michael Henchard.

“Melancholy, impressive, lonely, yet accessible from every part of the town, the historic circle was the frequent spot for appointments of a furtive kind.”

Here’s another atmospheric photograph:



photograph by John Gould

Maumbury Rings has a reputation for being the grimmest spot in Dorchester, its black story culminating in 1705 with the extremely dark real life event he records here. Thomas Hardy recorded some of the grislier details in his notebooks. However,Connie will be leading a poem about this on Wednesday, so I won’t spoil the shock now if you missed it in todays chapter!

We have seen before that in the context of Thomas Hardy’s novels, the Ring is primarily used for secretive meetings, as the place hides the dealings of characters very nicely. Its topography is similar to the larger earthwork Maiden Castle, where we read about (view spoiler)[Captain Troy displaying his swordsmanship to Bathsheba (hide spoiler)] in Far From the Madding Crowd.

Michael Henchard chooses this site to be reunited with his wife,, and he feels great sympathy for her obvious sorrow and reduced circumstances. The Ring symbolises the importance of secrets and secrecy in The Mayor of Casterbridge, as well as a history of violence and wrongdoing, both in the Roman amphitheatre and in Henchard’s life.

Here is a modern photograph, viewed from the East, again by Philip V. Allingham:

The Ring is a symbol of both Casterbridge’s history and the furtive dealings that still occur in the town. The Ring is, therefore, the perfect meeting site for Henchard and Susan to keep their business private. The place is haunted by its history of crime and violence, and Henchard and Susan’s reunion is therefore grouped among these events: an illicit meeting between two ghosts from each other’s pasts.

It also reminds me of how Susan threw off her ring when Henchard made her the subject of an auction. The Ring’s concept has a neat double meaning; now it is a different ring, which enables them to come back together. Perhaps we should watch if the Ring plays a further part in the novel, associated with yet more plot events dependent upon secrets withheld or exposed.

In addition to functioning as a symbol of secrecy, the Ring symbolises Henchard’s sympathy and empathy. While he can be proud, jealous, and cruel, Henchard takes pity on Susan, when he meets her at the Ring.

““I don’t drink,” he said in a low, halting, apologetic voice. “You hear, Susan? — I don’t drink now — I haven’t since that night.” Those were his first words.”

So it is within the space of the Ring that he is able to see the suffering of others, which he has caused. The potency of this area is acting like a charm. The Ring itself symbolises Henchard’s rare, but powerful, ability to empathise and change his mind.

However we can see Henchard’s inner conflict.

Michael Henchard and Susan’s first gesture upon meeting is one of physical intimacy: a hug that communicates a connection despite the amount of time that has passed since they were together. But Henchard’s concern for his reputation reflects his awareness that his hidden past is not compatible with the station he has achieved within Casterbridge society.

Henchard’s concerns centre around his reputation in town and Elizabeth-Jane’s ignorance. He is focused on how he is thought of by others, and wants this opinion, whether that of the villagers, Elizabeth-Jane, or Susan, to be a favourable opinion.

In the end, Henchard’s belief in Susan’s innocence allows him to forgive her for not seeking him out sooner. He wishes to continue to hide the truth from Elizabeth-Jane, and his plan to remarry Susan, after a proper display of courtship, reflects his new interest in both propriety and in providing for those whose care is one of his duties.

Illustration

I really like this close-up by Robert Barnes, where he sets the middle-aged lovers against the high embankment of the grass-covered Roman amphitheatre. Henchard has chosen the perfect place for their clandestine meeting. The background is only suggested really, but seem to loom over them.

Susan, cherished and happily reunited with her first love, collapses into Henchard’s embrace amidst the growing shadows of the ancient arena. Her face is so expressive! Here at least, after weary miles on foot, we see an older woman, now bent in figure, finding support and comfort in the arms of her now reformed husband. Susan seems different from how we first saw her, but this older figure still echoes the maternal one of the initial illustration.

It is very romantic, with the brooding darkness and by depicting Susan’s physically submissive posture, Barnes has emphasised her conventional womanliness. She is in mourning clothes for her “husband” lost at sea? We are still not sure whether she married Newson, but deduced earlier that she took pains to appear respectable, and not a common-law wife. Is it as simple as that, or should we read anything into the fact that she still wears black, do you think?

Tomorrow we have our third poem which this time relates to chapter 11, as mentioned. Link to:

The Mock Wife (poem)

We will read Chapter 12 on Thursday 3rd June

Oops. Sorry, this is the Canada Day weekend and we had the grandchildren over yesterday.. I’m a day late for the wonderful comments concerning chapter 10.

In brief, absolutely, Henchard’s giving money to Elizabeth-Jane is a reversal of his selling her and Susan twenty years ago. The hiring of Farfrae was as much a monetary transaction as it was a verbal persuasion. Henchard continues to be a man of monetary dealings. He buys and sells. Wheat, his wife, everything has a price.

Yes. We must keep an eye on Jopp. Jopp, like Susan and Elizabeth-Jane and Susan were cast aside when a better offer, or a need for freedom, presented themselves.

As always, I am really enjoying the visual images and historical background.

Bionic Jean wrote: "And a little more …

Skeletons!

“… He was mostly found lying on his side, in an oval scoop in the chalk, like a chicken in its shell; his knees drawn up to his chest; sometimes with the remains of...

Connie - didn't you lead a poem connected with this a while ago?..."

Jean, I led the poem "The Roman Road" about the Roman ruins under a road near Hardy's house:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Donald led "Roman Gravemound" about Hardy burying his cat at Max Gate, and digging around some Roman ruins as he made a grave for his beloved cat:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Jean, I've been noticing every time Hardy refers to birds ever since I did some research about his bird poems. He again uses a bird image when he imagines the deceased Roman soldiers buried in the chalk as chicken embreyos curled up in their shells. This is in the quote about skeletons that you picked out.

Between the graves and the bloody history of the gladiators, the Ring is an ominous place to meet. We'll be learning more about the history of the Ring in tomorrow's poem.

Peter wrote: Henchard continues to be a man of monetary dealings.
Agreed!

There are indeed many skeletons in the lower soil layers in Casterbridge, perhaps also alluding to skeletons in the cupboards? What a dense and rich chapter!

Connie wrote: "Jean, I led the poem "The Roman Road"... [and] Donald led "Roman Gravemound" "

Thank you for jogging my memory Connie! If I had only been able to remember the titles, I could have used our list of poem threads 🙄 😆

I love your point about the bird imagery too ... people are finding so many instances of this in The Mayor of Casterbridge, which I'd never noticed before! 😊

Bionic Jean wrote: "The Ring is a symbol of both Casterbridge’s history and the furtive dealings that still occur in the town. The Ring is, therefore, the perfect meeting site for Henchard and Susan to keep their busi..."

Yes indeed Jean, we must continue to keep an eye on the repetitive and yet creative use of all manner of rings in the novel. The town of Casterbridge is encircled by an ancient wall, Susan cast down her wedding ring, a long-time symbol of marriage to the ground, and now she and Henchard meet once again within a place where history and traditions have been recorded for centuries. It is not too much of a stretch to say their relationship has come full circle.

While I can see, objectively, why Henchard was the one who made the decision to leave the area separately and also decided how their relationship will unfold and lead to a marriage, I am uneasy with the quiet acceptance of Susan. In my mind, Susan is showing once again a weakness in character.

I note that we are about to see another Hardy poem that will relate to this novel. Reflecting, I think our first poem ‘The Selfsame Song’ can fit here as well. What has been seen/experienced in terms of pain and loss in The Ring could well be seen as occurring again between Henchard and Susan. Where will their anticipated re-marriage lead?

I am grateful for all the background information, pictures and illustrations.

Peter wrote: "their relationship has come full circle ..."

What a perfect metaphor for our "ring" motif Peter! 😄 Plus we have Claudia's "skeletons in the cupboard" too, to relate to the Roman remains. I love it!

This was such a well written chapter! Although the actions were peaceful, forgiving and calm, there was a forboding in everything that surrounded them, from the skeletons just under the surface (very fitting for our story) to the menacing circle of the Ring.

Jean, thank you for the history of the Ring. It made me aware of the brutal history of the place and how this may be a foreboding for out story.

Connie wrote: "He again uses a bird image when he imagines the deceased Roman soldiers buried in the chalk as chicken embreyos curled up in their shells...."

Connie, I'm so glad you noticed this. Hardy is sneaky about how he brings his motifs into the story so easily and easlily overlooked. I missed this connection.

Peter wrote: "I am uneasy with the quiet acceptance of Susan. In my mind, Susan is showing once again a weakness in character...."

I was a bit surprised at this, too. We don't really know much about Susan. She's been described as "simple" throughout this story but nothing much else has come out as of yet. Going back to Michael so easily is a bit concerning. I had the same uneasy feeling when she so easily went with Newsom, a complete stranger to her.

Perhaps, in the case with Michael, this easy going nature may be merely a matter of money? It doesn't feel that way, though, to me.

Petra wrote: "Perhaps, in the case with Michael, this easy going nature may be merely a matter of money? It doesn't feel that way, though, to me.."

It doesn't feel that way to me either Petra. I'm sure Susan is motivated in part by money, at least money for her daughter, but like you said there is more to it than that for Susan. I think the way Henchard and Susan immediately greet one another with a prolonged embrace is what gave me that feeling. Susan has, I think, tender feelings still for Michael.

Everyone has pointed out so many good symbols and motifs today! I totally missed that a chicken was another bird reference, thank you Connie!!

I liked the juxtaposition of the eerie version of Casterbridge in today's chapter with the cheery version of the town in yesterday's chapter. It mirrors Henchard's sort of dual personality. His sober, remorseful, upstanding side - and his calculating, callous business side.

One final thought . . . I really liked how right after Susan says she likes the idea of remarrying Henchard, it's at that moment that Hardy refers to her again as "Mrs. Henchard". Which, of course she is - only it's a secret.

The poem "The Mock Wife," which relates to the Maumbury Ring, has been posted:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I wasn't quite sure what I thought at the end of this chapter. For one thing, as Susan I would be relieved that there shouldn't be an airing of the Henchards' relationship and separation, as she herself is a bit ashamed of how she stayed with the sailor with no formalization of a marriage to him.

But also, wouldn't any woman be a bit ashamed of having to go to him when he has become wealthy and she still struggles?And what is this about meeting in the dark and in the ring? That sounds a bit ominous, especially from its former and current use.

In the end, what Henchard proposes is the easier way for Henchard to do right by his wife and daughter. He is not proposing to hide them away, as much as to present them without the history and stain of what had previously happened.

Chapter 12

Henchard returns home, and sees a light on in the office where Farfrae is still hard at work. Henchard admires Farfrae’s skill at overhauling the business’s books, as he himself is not inclined to tasks on paper, or tasks that require attention to details. Eventually, he stops the younger man’s work and insists that he join him for supper. Farfrae is already becoming used to the strength of Henchard’s requests and impulses.

Henchard wishes to tell Farfrae about a family matter, saying that he is a lonely man, and that he might as well confess all to his new friend. Henchard tells in full the story of how he sold his wife and child nineteen years ago. He says that it has not been difficult for him to remain without a wife for those many years until this very day, for his wife has come back. Farfrae asks Henchard if he cannot make amends with his wife and resume his life with her. Henchard says that is indeed what he plans to do, but, in doing so, that he must wrong another woman.

Henchard tells Farfrae of his commitment to another woman, who had nursed him one autumn when he fell ill on his trade route through Jersey. This woman fell in love with Henchard, and:

" ...being together in the same house, and her feeling warm, we got naturally intimate. I won’t go into particulars of what our relations were. It is enough to say that we honestly meant to marry."

However their proximity and the young woman's evident disregard for appearances coupled with her evident feelings for him caused a scandal in the community.

After he had come away, she wrote to him telling him how she had suffered, over many years. Henchard eventually told her that he could only marry her:

"if she would run the risk of [his wife] Susan being alive (very slight as I believed)."

She was delighted, but Henchard’s agreement to marry the woman who had cared for him was followed directly by Susan’s reappearance. Farfrae is baffled by Henchard’s complicated circumstances, which far exceed his own straightforward experiences. Henchard feels that, despite his later agreement, his first duty must be to Susan. He is sympathetic, however, toward the other woman and decides to send the poor girl some money along with a letter he asks Farfrae to help him write.

Henchard concludes his tale by telling Farfrae about his daughter and her ignorance of her own past. Despite Farfrae’s advice to tell Elizabeth-Jane the truth and ask for her forgiveness, Henchard says that he will not do so, and that he and Susan will pretend to meet and remarry before renewing their lives together.

And a little more …

“[Henchard] had in a modern sense received the education of Achilles, and found penmanship a tantalising art.”

Achilles, the hero in Homer’s The Iliad was trained in martial and practical skills, not in literary ones.

“the loneliness of my domestic life, when the world seems to have the blackness of hell, and, like Job, I could curse the day that gave me birth.”

See Job 3.3: “Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived”

So we have a sort of interlude where we learn some of what has happened to Michael Henchard during the years after he sold his wife.

To me this chapter is all about the fundamental difference between Henchard and Farfrae. Henchard succeeds through strength of personality, whereas Farfrae succeeds through hard work, diligence and attention to details as we see here with his work on the business books. Henchard compares himself with Job, but Farfrae says he never feels gloomy.

Henchard confides his story to Farfrae before he knows him very well. Although Farfrae seems likeable and trustworthy, I do have to wonder if this is wise. Will Farfrae feel obliged to keep his secret? He also reveals to Farfrae the problem with his plan of marrying Susan, yet he had not explained this to Susan in the previous chapter. We see that Henchard has a tendency to hide the truth when it benefits himself - but then so does Susan, as we see from how she represents herself as a sailor’s widow. Despite their affection and closeness in the Ring, they both hold secrets back.

Henchard’s connection with this young woman in Jersey demonstrates the power of public opinion as to a woman’s reputation at this time. Hardy expresses this ambiguously as:

“we got naturally intimate. I won’t go into particulars of what our relations were. It is enough to say that we honestly meant to marry.”

So are we are told their relationship was innocent, and that merely the affection this woman had for Henchard was enough to harm her reputation, or was it a sexual relationship, do you think? Interestingly Henchard feels that he must do what is “right” by this woman and also by Susan, without considering his actual feelings for either woman, or apparently consulting them either.

At the moment to me Henchard seems a man with a strong moral sense, in that he wants to do the right thing, and to do his duty, but little empathy for how others feel (e.g. Jopp). And how must Farfrae feel about this ”confession”?

His new friend and employer’s problems must be completely out of his experience, but he tries his best to advise, and willingly helps him to compose a letter. Henchard wants to send the woman in Jersey some money. To him, money seems a fitting replacement for a marriage or a relationship. Do we think the same? As Peter and others have noticed, up to a point he seems to see his wife - and now his Jersey belle - as commodities. Once again, money for Henchard is connected to the loss or gain of a human being. Feelings do not seem to come into the issue … or do they? His final thought to himself is:

“Poor thing—God knows! Now then, to make amends to Susan!”

And as Pam says, taking everything into account, what he is looking for is “the easier way for Henchard to do right by his wife and daughter.”

Michael Henchard is a complex “man of character”, for sure!

Tomorrow will be our free day after every three chapters. We will read chapter 13 on Saturday 5th July.

And please don’t miss Connie’s lead of "The Mock Wife" in our new thread yesterday. It's an unforgettable poem!

Over to you!

You asked the right questions, Jean!

I went to Jersey on a day trip but spent more time on Guernsey CI as an intern in a Canadian bank. After a while everybody knows everyone on those islands and Henchard's affair with his belle was most probably common knowledge on Jersey. I would interpret that story as an affair as we mean it nowadays.

Two secrets for the price of one... Henchard has known Farfrae since the previous evening indeed. Now he is the repository of those two secrets and acts literally as Henchard's secretary - the first meaning of that word was "secret bearer". It sounds really like a complicated situation. It is also about the Mayor's image, honour and reputation that could be ruined in no time, depending on how Farfrae's keeps honest and discreet or is led to respond to Henchard's impulsive behaviour (worse case scenario).

Michael Henchard has been a lonely man - he is aware of this - who seems to be buying, selling, or financially compensating his decisions as Peter noticed earlier on.

I love your thoughts on these two men, Jean. It's a great comparison to contemplate. Henchard appears in a strong position, but only as it seems from the outside. Inwardly he is needy, grasping the chance to confide in Farfrae.

Farfrae on the other hand seems without baggage, content, and able to take care of himself. Honesty has clearly served him well, as much as covering things up has caused Henchard trouble (and will probably cause more!). I wonder if by “man of character” Hardy is referring to what is seen by society as character, as opposed to true character?

I did not know the original meaning of secretary was "secret bearer". Thank you, Claudia!

Kathleen wrote: "I love your thoughts on these two men, Jean. It's a great comparison to contemplate. Henchard appears in a strong position, but only as it seems from the outside. Inwardly he is needy, grasping the..."

Indeed Kathleen, to be honest we don't know much more about Farfrae than Henchard does! Virtually without baggage (I like your phrase) - only his carpet bag with a few samples inside and rose-patterned outside - a solid knowledge of agronomy, a beautiful voice when he sings ballads... In my opinion it is a bit early for unwrapping all one's secrets.

Claudia wrote: "Kathleen wrote: "I love your thoughts on these two men, Jean. It's a great comparison to contemplate. Henchard appears in a strong position, but only as it seems from the outside. Inwardly he is ne..."

Great point, Claudia. We have no idea yet what's in that carpet bag!

Henchard is indeed a complicated man. This chapter increases my yet uncertain thoughts about him even more. On the one hand he continues to see money as an answer to problems. Some money and a note — not written by himself — should appease the Jersey woman. A rather thoughtless, callous method of putting her behind.

And yet, the background of his life with Susan, as told to Farfrae, was complete and not meant to place himself in a good light. Henchard is a man of candour. Such directness is an admirable characteristic in a person.

And yet, he does like to control, to micromanage his environment. In total, Hardy has created a very complicated individual. What a treat for us readers to experience. In some ways I wish Hardy had been less specific in the full title of the novel. And yet, that is Hardy. His characters mark out their lives on the pages of the novel, and we, as readers, witness the arc of their lives.

Claudia has drawn our attention to the number of secrets that are being accumulated within this story. There must be more to come. I’m sure we will learn in future chapters that Farfrae’s carpetbag contains a secret or two as well.

Peter wrote: "Henchard is indeed a complicated man. This chapter increases my yet uncertain thoughts about him even more. ..."

That sums it up perfectly, Peter!

I'm surprised Henchard opened up completely to Farfrae. That seems a very impulsive action, revealing long held secrets to someone you barely know.

And now Farfrae knows the truth of Elizabeth-Jane's parentage, which Henchard and Susan wanted to hide forever. What's going to happen there?

Paying off the girl in Jersey feels like selling a wife again.

This chapter brought a couple of surprised. I had no indication that Henchard had a lady friend! I wouldn't have thought that......"still waters run deep", as the saying goes. There's always something hidden.

The second surprise was Henchard's tellin of his secret. Now that it has been divulged, the genie is out of the bottle. Once a secret is told, it spreads. I wouldn't have guessed that he'd tell anyone about the situation.

The poor lady who will receive the letter and cheque. What a surprise and shock that will be for her. As Bridget says, it feels like a repeat of the wife selling scene, since Henchard has been intimate with this person.

I agree that Henchard is a complicated man, yet his main traits seem to be secrecy and self-preservation from scandal. Plus, as mentioned, his belief that money will solve everything.

Petra wrote: "This chapter brought a couple of surprised. I had no indication that Henchard had a lady friend! I wouldn't have thought that......"still waters run deep", as the saying goes. There's always someth..."

I totally agree with your thoughts, Petra! I couldn't believe that he would open up to Farfrae, and what a surprise to find that he has allowed a relationship to develop when he was at least possibly still tied to Susan.

"Oh what a tangled web we weave/ When first we practice to deceive," according to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott, and there are no end to some of these deceptions that are going on even if some may be to ease or solve a problem.

Excellent quote, Pamela, thank you!

Michael Henchard has indeed woven an intricate web of cross stories around himself.

Susan is unexpectedly resurfacing against all odds.

Will the Jersey belle accept to be dismissed even for a handful of pounds?

Excellent observations everyone!! And thank you Jean for the summaries, and for directing our attention to the growing differences between Henchard and Farfrae. What an interesting story this is shaping into. I have to say I'm curious what will come next.

Jean had to step away from her computer today to take care of some family matters. She will be back very soon. In the meantime, she sent me her summary and comments for today so that I could post them for her.

Chapter 13

Susan and Elizabeth-Jane live in a nice cottage paid for by Henchard. Henchard visits regularly, with business-like commitment, seeming to have schooled himself to follow his duty to his old wife perfectly. Susan feels she has entered into a new commitment to Henchard solely for the sake of her daughter and her daughter’s reputation. She, however, worries about by the amount of attention Henchard pays her. She is concerned that she is costing him too much and taking up too much of his time. Henchard, on the other hand, is happy to leave more and more of the business management to Farfrae.

The town of Casterbridge gossips about Henchard’s delay in choosing a wife and are puzzled by his choice of such a pale and fragile woman as the widowed Mrs. Newson. Henchard continues to keep up appearances, despite his lack of emotional attachment to Susan. He is motivated not by love, but by his resolve to make amends to Susan, provide for Elizabeth-Jane, and excuse himself from the dark deeds in his past.

The villagers Christopher Coney, Solomon Longways, Buzzford, and their friends gather on Henchard and Susan’s wedding day to gossip. They are surprised to see that Henchard has waited for so long to marry and chosen a woman such as Susan who is little in both stature and situation. Mother Cuxsom joins the gossiping villagers, who banter about her late husband and reminisce about her late mother, among other fond memories. As the married pair come out of the church, the villagers disperse for drinks. The damp weather is declared a reason for doing little work that day.

A few more comments from Jean

Henchard and Susan’s courtship is dictated by their feelings of duty and obligation rather than by any feelings of love. Both are motivated by a commitment to what is best for their daughter. Henchard, now that he has Farfrae, is happy to avoid the business management, which he disliked, and to enjoy the aspects of his position that he found more enjoyable.

To outside eyes, Susan seems a strange choice for Henchard’s wife. Henchard’s prominence in town means that the villagers feel he is marrying “below him.” The match’s strangeness to the outside world reinforces the fact that Henchard’s decision to re-marry Susan is motivated solely by duty and guilt over the past.

The villagers of Casterbridge add complexity and interest to the novel with their colourful stories and gossip. Less innocently, they demonstrate the way news and gossip function in a small town. Everyone knows and discusses each other’s business. In such an environment, it is difficult to keep secrets, and we have to wonder what might transpire as a result.

Over to you everyone . . . .