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

2. What consequence occurs when Henchard makes a bad corn deal?
(a) Henchard is evicted from his home.
(b) The farmers threaten Henchard if they don't get their pay.
(c) The bank takes possession of his belongings.
(d) The only person to loan Henchard money is Farfrae.

3. Where does Elizabeth move to when she leaves Henchard's house?
(a) Into Farfrae's home.
(b) Closer to her mother's grave.
(c) High Place Hall.
(d) Durnover Hill.

4. How does Susan know Michael Henchard is in Casterbridge?
(a) She asks the furmity woman.
(b) Through hearsay on the street.
(c) Michael contacts Susan first.
(d) From a friend.

5. What new machinery is introduced at the Saturday market?
(a) A harvester.
(b) A combine.
(c) A seed drill.
(d) A tractor.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do the boys of Casterbridge nickname Susan?

2. What surprises Henchard the most about Farfrae?

3. How does Elizabeth receive her new home and money?

4. How does Henchard first learn the townspeople prefer Donald over him?

5. What is Elizabeth's manner when she first sees Farfrae in his room?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the atmosphere of the furmity tent when Michael offers his wife for sale?

2. 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?

3. Hardy makes note that the Three Mariners sign is old. However, it is not due to the owner's lack of care as it is the lack of a painter in town. What does that imply about Casterbridge?

4. When Henchard visits Lucetta and asks her to marry him, she looks out the window to see Farfrae's hay wagons. What earlier scene is this reminiscent of? What is its importance in the storyline?

5. Earlier in the book, Jopp is tersely introduced and forgotten when his management position is taken by Farfrae. Re-introduced years later in chapter 26, he is described as coming from the back slum and his clothing a sign of need. Unjustly fired, what role do you think Jopp plays in Henchard's life?

6. 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?

7. How does Michael Henchard feel when Susan leaves with the sailor?

8. 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?

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

10. When Susan dies, Henchard agrees to marry Lucetta out of pity. He still does not call on her when she arrives to Casterbridge. Suddenly, he is adamant about getting her attention and marrying her. What causes the sudden change of heart? What does Henchard want from this?

(see the answer keys)

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