The Mayor of Casterbridge - Chapter 42 Summary & Analysis

This Study Guide consists of approximately 70 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of The Mayor of Casterbridge.

The Mayor of Casterbridge - Chapter 42 Summary & Analysis

This Study Guide consists of approximately 70 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of The Mayor of Casterbridge.
This section contains 314 words
(approx. 1 page at 400 words per page)
Buy The Mayor of Casterbridge Study Guide

Chapter 42 Summary

The chapter starts with Michael still dreading Newson's return. We also see Farfrae deciding not to pursue the people who planned the "skimmity-ride" in consideration of both his wife's memory and Michael's reputation. The town council offers Michael a small seed store, which he accepts so that Elizabeth-Jane can restore some of her position in the town.

Michael begins to see Farfrae and Elizabeth-Jane spending time together. He worries that their secret meetings will lead to a marriage, and he cannot stand the thought of Elizabeth-Jane with his rival. His main worry is that Farfrae will turn Elizabeth-Jane against him and that he will once again experience loneliness and despair. In desperation he contemplates telling Farfrae that Elizabeth-Jane is actually Newson's illegitimate daughter, but decides that this he cannot hurt Elizabeth-Jane in that manner.

Chapter 42 Analysis

Michael and Farfrae are contrasted yet again...

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This section contains 314 words
(approx. 1 page at 400 words per page)
Buy The Mayor of Casterbridge Study Guide
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