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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. What surprises Henchard the most about Farfrae?
(a) That a stranger is willing to help without pay.
(b) The Scotchman wants a third of his business if he is to be hired.
(c) That the Scotchman is willing to correct the wheat problem for free.
(d) That Farfrae is going to America to harvest wheat.

2. How does Elizabeth and Lucetta meet?
(a) Lucetta visits Henchard and meets Elizabeth.
(b) While looking for Farfrae in the marketplace.
(c) They are both visiting Susan's grave.
(d) Elizabeth applies to work for the new woman coming to Casterbridge.

3. Michael incessantly criticizes Elizabeth for what?
(a) Her courtship with Farfrae.
(b) Her inability to stand up for herself.
(c) Her dialect.
(d) Her fashion sense.

4. What age is Elizabeth Jane when she and her mother search for Michael Henchard?
(a) Seventeen.
(b) Twenty-one.
(c) Twelve.
(d) Eighteen.

5. How do you describe Henchard's disposition towards strangers?
(a) Festive and hearty.
(b) Rude and contemptuous.
(c) Bland and disinterested.
(d) Charming and cordial.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Henchard almost reveal to Elizabeth she is his daughter?

2. What does Henchard suggest to announce in the paper?

3. What does Farfrae do that wins the inn patrons over?

4. At the scene of the wagon crash, when Henchard's man says the word of Lucetta and Elizabeth Jane are not to be accounted for because all women swoon for Donald, 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. 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?

2. When the furmity woman is shown as the defendant, Henchard notices something familiar but the thought flees his mind as quickly as it comes in. How does the furmity woman represent the sale of his wife twenty years ago? How does Henchard's reaction to the furmity woman represent how he feels about the transaction?

3. Elizabeth mentions "respectability" several times. Despite a plain dress and a modest upbringing, she is very conscientious of being respectable. How does this regard to respectability portray her desires? What kind of life does Elizabeth seek?

4. Elizabeth Jane is very observant of Farfrae and Henchard. What does she notice about their relationship? What are some expectations that come true? Why does the dismissal of Farfrae not so unexpected?

5. 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?

6. 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?

7. Although Hardy reveals that Henchard is not in love with Susan, he feels defensive when the boys around town call Susan, "The Ghost". Does he really love her and does not know it? Is he defensive to protect his own name? Is Henchard a better man that he reveals himself to be?

8. 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?

9. Henchard shows both happiness and reservations concerning Susan's return. Henchard plans to remarry and care for his family. However, in his note to Susan, he writes, "The news upsets me almost," and in their meeting he states, "But- to lead me into ... this difficulty about our living together ..." What is going through Henchard's mind as he learns of his wife's return? Does he love her or is he obliged to a duty? What causes his reservations?

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

(see the answer keys)

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