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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. In chapter 29, what does Lucetta offer Henchard?
(a) Money for his business.
(b) An immediate marriage.
(c) A scheme against Farfrae.
(d) A long engagement.

2. Susan writes a letter to Michael when on her deathbed. What does she request of him concerning this letter?
(a) To forgive her for her simplicity.
(b) That he reads it in secrecy and burns the letter afterward.
(c) That he opens it on Elizabeth's wedding day.
(d) That he opens it only after she passes away.

3. What is Elizabeth's plan when she hears the reasons for the town bells and music?
(a) She goes to the Ring to seek her mother.
(b) She stays at the Three Mariners.
(c) She congratulates the happy couple immediately.
(d) She moves out of High Place Hall.

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

5. 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 __________.
(a) Becomes furious at the reminder and rushes off.
(b) Agrees with him and dismisses the women.
(c) Defends the women.
(d) Implores the truth of the statement from the women.

Short Answer Questions

1. What event occurs in Port-Bredy?

2. What does Farfrae and Susan observe about Henchard?

3. What is Jopp's reaction to Henchard's curt behavior?

4. Why does Lucetta invite Elizabeth to live with her?

5. How do Susan and Elizabeth pay for their lodgings, despite their little income?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. 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?

3. How does Solomon Longways view the mayor?

4. Donald Farfrae is a stranger in Casterbridge, yet he decides to help Henchard. This is not a common act between strangers as seen by Henchard's surprise. What does this say about Farfrae's character? Does he really want something or is he really acting as a good Samaritan?

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

6. Henchard is a man of wealth and status in Casterbridge, yet he is lonely in friendship as well as marriage. As soon as he meets Farfrae, he is intrigued. Not only does he look to Farfrae as a business manager, but also as a friend. What benefits and dangers does Henchard risk in befriending Farfrae so early on with such sensitive confessions?

7. 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?

8. 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?

9. Henchard becomes distraught and angry at the idea that Elizabeth is not his daughter. Out of pride, he does not tell her after the big deal he makes for her to change her name. How does Henchard express his feelings if not in telling her the truth?

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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