The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy
1. What do the townspeople create to publicly shame Henchard and Lucetta?
- The townspeople create effigies of Henchard and Lucetta in a skimmington ride, a public spectacle meant to humiliate them.
2. What is Lucetta's reaction to the skimmington ride?
- Lucetta is so devastated by the skimmington ride that she collapses, has a miscarriage, and eventually dies from the trauma.
3. Who arrives at Henchard's door the next day, and why?
- Newson, who was believed to be lost at sea, arrives at Henchard's door to inquire about his daughter, Elizabeth-Jane.
4. Why does Henchard lie to Newson about Elizabeth-Jane's status?
- Henchard lies to Newson, claiming Elizabeth-Jane is dead because he fears losing her companionship, which he has come to value greatly.
5. What does Newson do after Henchard tells him that Elizabeth-Jane is dead?
- Believing Henchard, Newson leaves in sorrow, grieving for his supposedly deceased daughter.
6. What significant change occurs in Henchard's life after 21 years?
- After 21 years, Henchard's vow of abstinence expires, and he resumes drinking, abandoning his previous commitment to sobriety.
7. How does Newson react upon discovering the truth about Elizabeth-Jane?
- Upon discovering Henchard's lie, Newson returns to confront him, leading Henchard to disappear rather than face him.
8. What event brings Henchard back to town timidly seeking reconciliation?
- Henchard returns timidly seeking reconciliation on the day of Elizabeth-Jane's wedding to Farfrae.
9. How does Elizabeth-Jane respond to Henchard's attempt at reconciliation?
- Elizabeth-Jane rebuffs Henchard's attempt at reconciliation, leading him to depart for good.
10. What prompts Elizabeth-Jane and Farfrae to search for Henchard?
- Regretting her coldness towards Henchard, Elizabeth-Jane, accompanied by Farfrae, sets out to find him.
11. What do Elizabeth-Jane and Farfrae discover upon locating Henchard?
- Elizabeth-Jane and Farfrae find that Henchard has died alone and discover his last written statement.
12. What is Henchard's dying wish as expressed in his last written statement?
- Henchard's dying wish, expressed in his last written statement, is to be forgotten completely.
13. What does the skimmington ride symbolize in the story?
- The skimmington ride symbolizes the public shaming and humiliation that Lucetta and Henchard endure due to their past actions.
14. Why is Henchard afraid of losing Elizabeth-Jane's companionship?
- Henchard fears losing Elizabeth-Jane's companionship because he has come to deeply value her kindness and presence in his life.
15. How does Henchard's resumption of drinking affect his life?
- Henchard's resumption of drinking marks his decline, causing him to abandon his resolve and worsening his personal struggles.
16. What is the significance of Newson's return in the narrative?
- Newson's return introduces a pivotal moment of confrontation and truth, highlighting Henchard's deceit and resulting in his disappearance.
17. How does Henchard's disappearance reflect his character?
- Henchard's disappearance reflects his inability to face his mistakes and his preference for avoiding confrontation, even at great personal cost.
18. What emotions drive Elizabeth-Jane and Farfrae to find Henchard?
- Feelings of regret and remorse for rebuffing Henchard drive Elizabeth-Jane and Farfrae to search for him in hopes of reconciliation.
19. What does Henchard's lonely death signify in the context of the story?
- Henchard's lonely death signifies the ultimate consequence of his actions, leading to isolation and a tragic end without redemption.
20. How does the final revelation of Henchard's dying wish impact the narrative?
- Henchard's dying wish to be forgotten underscores the profound sense of failure and desire for erasure that defines his tragic character arc.
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