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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Henchard's demeanor toward Elizabeth change when he hears Susan is alive?
(a) He is speechless.
(b) He is affectionate and kind.
(c) He becomes even more distant.
(d) He gets upset.

2. What do Susan and Michael decide about Elizabeth?
(a) Susan wants Michael to break the news to her.
(b) They intend to tell her after they are remarried.
(c) She deserves to know the truth.
(d) She should stay ignorant of her parents' past.

3. What do the people of Casterbridge know of the mayor's past wife?
(a) They know nothing.
(b) She leaves him for another man.
(c) They believe she dies at sea.
(d) They don't think the mayor is ever married since he comes to Casterbridge alone.

4. What is Jopp's reaction to Henchard's curt behavior?
(a) Disappointed, but understands business is business.
(b) Unaffected.
(c) Angry and bitterly disappointed.
(d) Sensitively hurt.

5. What are Michael's first words when he sees Susan after so many years?
(a) "I love you."
(b) "I looked for you."
(c) "I don't drink."
(d) "I'm sorry."

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Henchard's impression of the new machinery?

2. Who does Henchard hire to compete against Farfrae?

3. What is one of Henchard's motives for his remarriage with Susan?

4. What does Lucetta request from Henchard?

5. Where is the first place Michael heads to when he wakes up in the morning in the furmity tent?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Susan begins her search for Michael, Hardy refers her as Mrs. Newson, for that is what she calls herself. However, in chapter nine, Hardy calls her Mrs. Henchard again for the first time. Why does Hardy return to her first marriage name? How does Susan feel about her role and position at this point?

2. At the hiring market, Farfrae and Lucetta witness a farmer who is in a dilemma. Either the farmer loses his sweetheart or fails his father. Lucetta shows concern and Farfrae offers to hire the man close in town so the farmer does not have to choose. What is the motivation behind Donald's decision? Does he really have concern for the farmer? Is it to impress Lucetta instead?

3. When Henchard writes a note to Susan, he also gives five guineas in return. What does Henchard hope to portray in this gift? How does Susan react to the money when she sees it?

4. At first request, Michael is agreeable to let Elizabeth leave and gain independence. But when the time comes for her to leave, he gets angry and flustered at the idea. Why does Henchard react with such contradiction?

5. Henchard is quite fond of Farfrae's work. However, Farfrae views himself quite different from Henchard. What does Farfrae think of Henchard as a person? A businessman?

6. Before Michael discovers who Elizabeth's real father is, he wants her to legally change her name to Henchard. For whom does he want this? How does Michael regard Elizabeth's feelings in this matter? Is it for them as a relationship as purely for his selfish wants?

7. When Henchard first learns about Donald's popularity, he cannot help but be jealous. However, he sees Donald as a genuinely good man who cares for people's feelings. What internal battle does Henchard experience concerning Donald Farfrae? How does he personally feel about Farfrae? How does this affect his natural jealousy?

8. A raging bull attacks Lucetta and Elizabeth. Why does hardy use a bull? What symbolism do bulls represent?

9. Henchard hears from Lucetta and believes he should marry her. At this point, Susan is on her deathbed. Why does Henchard want to marry Lucetta? Is it another obligation? Does he have feelings for her?

10. What changes are seen in the furmity woman when Susan and Elizabeth-Jane returns?

(see the answer keys)

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